British Airways returns to Northern Ireland

British Airways has returned to one of Northern Ireland’s main airports, following its merger with bmi British Midland.

It is a number of years since British Airways last served  Belfast, choosing to leave it to bmi.

However, in a special ceremony today, a British Airways Airbus A319 landed at Belfast City George Best Airport, signalling a return to the city after a gap of 11 years.

Willie Walsh, International Airlines Group’s CEO told guests at an event at Belfast City Airport that British Airways was delighted that the route was again part of the airline’s network and he was committed to maintaining the link. He said: “I am delighted today to see the British Airways colours back in Belfast. I publicly committed to serving Belfast if we acquired additional runway slots at Heathrow and the acquisition of bmi has given us the perfect opportunity to make that happen.”

British Airways is maintaining the current summer schedule on the service, with six daily return flights, but has announced it will increase frequency when it introduces its winter schedule on October 28, adding an additional flight each day, bringing the total to seven.