Ryanair announced that it will be returning to Belfast International Airport in summer 2023, with 12 new routes.
New routes include Alicante-Girona and Faro.
The airline announced that it would be closing the airport in August due to issues such as Air Passenger Duty.
Air Passenger Duty adds approximately PS13 to each flight.
According to the airline, two aircraft will be based in Belfast and create 60 jobs directly and more than 400 indirect jobs.
Ryanair’s commercial director Jason McGuinness stated that Ryanair is pleased to announce a Ryanair Belfast International Airport base with 12 exciting routes and 2 based aircraft. This announcement comes at a time when many airlines are cutting their schedules, and reducing their workforce.
McGuinness stated that concerns about Air Passenger Duty still remain despite this move.
He said: “To allow additional investment from Ryanair and other airlines, the UK government should immediately abolish aviation taxes for all flights. Otherwise, it will put the UK’s (an island-based economy) at high risk of losing air travel to European countries.
Belfast International Airport welcomed the airline’s return, calling it “positive news” for passengers.
Dan Owens, the airport’s chief financial officers, stated that this was a significant investment. It will create jobs and provide positive news for passengers and the region.
It increases the number and availability of destinations from the airport to more than 70 destinations domestically and internationally, giving travellers more options than ever.
