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
PTC rectangle

 

 

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
AAIB appoints Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents

Aerospace Security

AAIB appoints Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents

12 February 2026

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has announced the appointment of Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents following a fair and open competition.

Air Canada confirms order for eight A350-1000s

Aerospace

Air Canada confirms order for eight A350-1000s

12 February 2026

Air Canada has disclosed a firm order (listed as undisclosed in November 2025) for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airline’s long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft.

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

Aerospace

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

11 February 2026

Aircraft interiors specialist, ACS UK, has secured two significant new contracts with tier-one global airlines, covering the design and manufacture of bespoke, customised monuments for widebody aircraft.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
International Group launches IADA

Aerospace Defence

International Group launches IADA

11 February 2026

The International Group announced yesterday that it has launched an aerospace and defence division - International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) - a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes.

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

Aerospace

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

10 February 2026

Telford based Bruderer UK and Brandauer are marking 60 years of precision production with a £700,000 investment.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB