Flybe has launched new year-round services from Ireland West Airport to Birmingham and Edinburgh, providing 70,000 new seats to and from the West of Ireland in 2016.
Flybe will operate six weekly flights to each city and seats are currently on sale for both the summer and winter seasons. Flights will operate daily except on Saturday.
Edinburgh and Birmingham have long been popular destinations for passengers in the region and are also expected to generate strong inbound tourism numbers given the airport’s location as the central gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way.
The airline is also increasing flights to and from its Manchester hub, adding an additional 8,000 seats this summer, with a choice of up to six weekly flights from which airport passengers can connect seamlessly to further Flybe destinations or to the many others offered through Manchester with its interline partners.
Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Flybe is absolutely delighted to be operating flights to Ireland West Airport from both Birmingham and Edinburgh from the start of our 2016 summer programme. We are committed to offering customers in the West of Ireland ‘the fastest way from A to Flybe’ and we just love the fact that we are improving travel options for customers travelling to and from the West and North West of Ireland. We look forward to welcoming many new passengers onboard.”
Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of these two new services to key UK markets in Birmingham and Edinburgh with Flybe. This further cements the airport’s position as the premier UK gateway for the West of Ireland as we now service nine different access points, the biggest selection of UK services from the West and North West of Ireland. Today’s launch highlights Flybe’s commitment to serving the people of the West and North West of Ireland, providing vital connectivity to key markets all year round.”
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland, added: “The launch of the new Flybe flights from Edinburgh and Birmingham, and the expansion of services from Manchester, is more good news for tourism to the West and North West of Ireland in 2016 – expanding travel options for British holidaymakers wishing to visit this part of Ireland. We look forward to working closely with Flybe and Ireland West Airport to maximise the promotion of the new services. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.”
