easyJet, the Ireland-based low-fare airline, has announced the launch of its first direct service between Belfast and Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is surrounded by waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes, making it an interesting destination for holiday makers and adventurers looking for a city break. The flight – the only direct service between the two destinations – operates twice per week on Mondays and Fridays on a 156 seater Airbus A319. Over 30,000 passengers are expected to use the new service during the first 12 months. Fares start from £31.99 one way per person.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s Head of Ireland, said: ‘We are really excited to have launched Ireland’s first direct connection from Belfast International Airport to Reykjavik today. This new year round service will bring the number of easyJet flights to Iceland up to 26 a week and we will carry in excess of 200,000 passengers per year to and from Reykjavik across all of these flights. Over 30,000 of these are expected to originate from Belfast.
‘It is a particularly exciting addition to our base at Belfast International due to the eclectic mix of activities and scenery on offer and we are confident that it will provide a popular addition to easyJet’s network.
‘We remain committed to expanding our network from Belfast and last month announced that we would be adding services to Split commencing from June 2015.’
Graham Keddie Managing Director, Belfast International Airport, said: ‘The new easyJet service from Belfast International to Reykjavik is another exciting addition to our routes. It opens up direct channels for Icelandic tourists to visit the island of Ireland via Belfast and, with the expectation of 30,000 passengers, will add welcome revenue to the local economy.’
easyJet presently serves 27 destinations from Belfast International Airport. The new direct service comes as Iceland’s tourism increased by 40% over the last two years. This new service is easyJet’s seventh direct flight to Reykjavik, providing access to Iceland’s dazzling scenery, and other attractions such as views of the northern lights, volcanos and whale watching tours.
From February 2015 easyJet’s Belfast operation will increase further with the addition of 34 extra flights between Liverpool and Belfast – increasing the service between the two cities to 78 flights per week.
