The low-cost carrier announced on Tuesday (28 March) it will operate 140 flights a week to 16 destinations across both Britain and Europe – including Milan, Budapest and Manchester. 

According to the hub’s owner, Vinci Airports, the return of Ryanair demonstrates its commitment “to connectivity in Northern Ireland.”

“To be able to welcome Ryanair back on such a significant scale is testament to the hard work that the team in Belfast has invested in securing this new base,” said business development director Uel Hoey. 

“Ryanair will bring low fares, high frequency and great choice to the local market and this significant investment and job creation is positive news for this region.”

The local flights will be among the first to benefit from the 50% cut in air passenger duty, which will be introduced from 1 April. 

“Additional investment from all airlines has been encouraged by the newly introduced APD reduction for domestic travel, but Ryanair again calls on the UK government to immediately scrap ADP taxes for all flights, which currently puts the UK at risk of losing air traffic to competing European countrie,” added Ryanair marketing director Dara Brady.