Ryanair announces 23rd base at Belfast City Airport

Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline has announced its 23rd European base at George Best Belfast City Airport. From 30th October, Ryanair will base a $70m brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft at BCA which will operate a new four times daily service to London Stansted and a new 2nd daily service from Belfast to Liverpool.

The arrival of Ryanair's low fares will end the high fare stranglehold imposed by British Midland and Easyjet on the people of Belfast From October 30th, passengers will save both money and time with Ryanair as they enjoy the lowest fares and the best punctuality from Belfast's central airport. Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares from any Belfast airport to any London airport. If passengers find a lower fare with any other airline, Ryanair will pay double the difference.

Speaking at Belfast City Airport today, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary said:

"We are delighted to announce Belfast City Airport as our 23rd European base. The airport approached us last week following the departure of the high fare Air Berlin and we are happy to step into the gap and deliver really low fares for Belfast. In the coming year, 600,000 passengers will fly Ryanair to and from Belfast. These visitors will generate a tourism spend of over £100m, which will sustain 600 local jobs.

"Ulster has repeatedly said 'no' to high fares and from 30th October Ulster can say 'hello' to £10 fares with Ryanair. 100,000 free* seats are available on these new routes for immediate booking on Ryanair.com (just £10 including taxes and charges) and we urge all passengers to book straight away as demand for Northern Ireland's lowest fares guaranteed will be huge".

Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of George Best Belfast City Airport said:

"I'm delighted to welcome this Ryanair base aircraft to Belfast City Airport and to announce that Ryanair will be offering flights to Stansted. This additional commitment to Belfast City Airport means we will offering more choice to passengers traveling to London. Additionally, we welcome Ryanair's intention to expand the European route portfolio from this base. Great news for the economy and tourism in Northern Ireland."

* Terms and conditions apply, see Ryanair.com for full details.