Wales and Northern Ireland are to be reconnected as another former Flybe route is resurrected by Eastern Airways.
The regional airline is to bring back the Cardiff to Belfast route in January, the only air service linking the two cities.
Daily weekday and a Sunday service are being scheduled, with fares starting at £79.99.
Roger Hage, general manager of commercial and operations at Eastern, said: “As the 海角视频’s regional airline serving all four home nations, ensuring the right services and frequencies are offered as passenger confidence returns is essential.
“The introduction of a Belfast City service from Cardiff is one so many have been asking for so connectivity between Wales and Northern Ireland is in place as the appetite for travel increases.
“Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the 海角视频, 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 Northern Ireland.”
Humberside Airport-based Eastern was a franchise partner of Flybe, emerging as a completely independent operator following its collapse in early March.
It will be the only air service linking Wales with the entire island of Ireland.
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Spencer Birns, interim chief executive of Cardiff Airport, said: “Today’s announcement is a hugely positive step and we are delighted that Eastern Airways has stepped in to re-instate a regular service between Cardiff and Belfast, offering vital connectivity between Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Belfast has been one of our most in-demand routes since Flybe entered administration for both customers travelling for work, or to visit friends and family. We’d like to thank Eastern Airways for their continued confidence in regional connectivity from Cardiff.”
This was echoed by Katy Best, commercial director at Belfast City Airport.
She said: “Today’s announcement that Belfast City Airport will once again operate flights to Cardiff is not only a positive development for the airport itself, but also extremely welcome news for passengers who regularly travel to Wales. The popular route to Cardiff was previously operated by Flybe before the airline entered into administration in March 2020, and there has been huge demand since for it to be reinstated.
“Despite the challenging aviation environment of recent months, we continued exploring options to secure connectivity with the Welsh capital, and we’re very happy that our partner Eastern Airways has committed to this service.”
The first flights will take-off on January 11.
Eastern also intends to restart the Welsh Government public service obligation internal route from Cardiff to Anglesey.