Eastern Airways Returns to Southampton – Brussels Route

UK regional carrier Eastern Airways has confirmed it will relaunch flights between Southampton and the Belgian capital Brussels after a four year hiatus. The Independent airline served the route for over two years until April 2008 when fellow UK carrier Flybe entered the market, but it suspended its flights from February 28 this year.

Eastern will offer a daily, except Saturday operation on the route from April 16, 2012 joining an existing Aberdeen service from Southampton, where it has been flying since 2003. “The continuation of the Southampton – Brussels route is great news for business and leisure travellers on the south coast of England as there have been strong trade and tourism links between the two regions for many years,” said Kay Ryan, Commercial Director, Eastern Airways.

An estimated 22,000 O&D passengers travelled on the Brussels – Southampton route in 2011; a market that has declined by more than a third since 2007, the last full year that Eastern Airways’ served the route. During this same period air fares on the route have increased by a third from $149 each way in 2007 to $199 each way in 2011.

“We’re delighted that Eastern Airways has enabled the continuation of this service to Brussels from Southampton. It’s a highly requested route by both our business and leisure passengers, who are looking for convenient flights to this a major European centre, so they will no doubt welcome this great news,” added Dave Lees, Managing Director, Southampton Airport.