Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Eastern Airways reconnects Cardiff and Belfast

Aerospace

Eastern Airways reconnects Cardiff and Belfast

Eastern Airways today launched the first service between Cardiff Airport and Belfast City Airport, as Wales regained its air service connection to Northern Ireland, the only current air service linking the entire island of Ireland with Wales.



Above:
Ellie McGimpsey Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport welcomes the return of flights from Belfast to Cardiff.
Courtesy Eastern Airways

Roger Hage, General Manager, Eastern Airways, said: “As the UK’s regional airline already serving all four home nations, connecting Belfast to Cardiff as passenger confidence returns is critical to supporting the tourism and business sectors and helping people unite with families again.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

“Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so adding further services at hubs we already serve is another crucial part in the economic recovery and prosperity of Wales and the Island of Ireland.”

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: "We're delighted to once again be able to offer our passengers a vital connection to Belfast City from Cardiff, starting today. The route has been one of our most in-demand since the collapse of Flybe last year and is an important connection for customers travelling for business and to visit friends and relatives. We are pleased that Eastern Airways has re-instated the service and I'd like to thank the airline for their continued confidence in regional connectivity from Cardiff."

Commenting on today’s inaugural flight, Ellie McGimpsey, Aviation Development Manager, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “The return of a route to Cardiff is welcome news for both the Airport and those wishing to reconnect with business, family, and friends in Wales.

“Belfast City Airport is the only airport on the island of Ireland to provide connectivity with Wales and we’re delighted that our airline partner, Eastern Airways, has committed to this service.

“Today’s flight marks the beginning of a busy period for the Airport, with a number of new routes taking off in the coming weeks. We’re seeing an increase in demand for travel, and it’s fantastic to offer these options to our passengers.”

Eastern Airways’ services continue to be carefully reintroduced as Covid-19 restrictions were ease, with extensive cleaning measures on-board and throughout all aspects of the airport for the safety of all passengers. Eastern Airways already offer a service from Belfast to Southampton, while in September aligned to Welsh Government easing of domestic restrictions Eastern Airways will restart the route from Cardiff to Anglesey. The airline also this week added the Mediterranean British overseas territory of Gibraltar as an international green list destination from both Birmingham and Southampton Airport’s expanding the network of destinations offered.

Eastern Airways network also includes Aberdeen, Anglesey, Belfast, Cardiff, Dublin, Gibraltar, Humberside, Jersey, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Nantes, Newquay, Rennes, Southampton, Sumburgh and Teesside among scheduled destinations.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

Aerospace

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

26 May 2026

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

Aerospace

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

26 May 2026

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner