easyJet to start BHD service.

Low cost carrier easyJet has announced that it will start schedules services from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to London Luton. easyJet is currently the largest carrier at Belfast International Airport with over 200 scheduled weekly departures, however it does not currently serve Belfast City.

The advantage of operating to Belfast City is its proximity to the market, as it is the nearest airport into the heart of Belfast, and hence a potentially more attractive alternative to the business community. In recent times easyJet has moved away from its low cost routes by attempting to attract the business market and selling its seats through GDS- a move to capture corporate traffic.

Belfast City Airport with its shorter runway will cause problems in terms of payload for the easyJet fleet. In recent times Belfast International Airport has seen a pricing war start with easyJet, Aer Lingus, Jet2.com and bmibaby all operating out of BFS.

Belfast City Airport is already well connected to the London market. Flybe operate into London Gatwick, BMI operates into London Heathrow and Ryanair offers mutilple flights into London Stansted.