DAILY flights from Southampton Airport to Belfast are due to start in the new year. 

Regional airline, Eastern Airways, announced that its new flights from Southampton to Northern Ireland's capital would launch on February 9. 

Running one flight each day, heading in both directions, the airline says it is "supporting the calls of many travellers". 

The new service will operate on low-carbon emission 72-seat ATR aircraft with fares starting from £59.99 one way including a hold-bag, operating year-round.

Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Southampton Airport, said the introduction of the first-ever daily service to Belfast from Southampton is "tremendous news".

Hampshire Chronicle: Eastern Airways launches new flights between Southampton and Belfast.Eastern Airways launches new flights between Southampton and Belfast. (Image: Eastern Airways.)

He said: “Belfast is both a fantastic city break destination and the ideal base to explore Northern Ireland, so I’m sure our passengers will be keen to take full advantage.

“We look forward to welcoming those passengers from across the Irish Sea who are keen to visit Southampton and all the city and the wider region has to offer.”   

Flights from Southampton to Belfast will depart at 12.45pm Sunday to Friday and 7.30am on Saturdays. 

Return flights will leave Belfast at 3pm, arriving back at 4.40pm into Southampton Sunday to Friday and on Saturdays, will leave at 9.45am and arrived in Southampton at 11.25am. 

Roger Hage, commercial director, Eastern Airways, said: "This is a major step in growing connectivity to the North of Ireland from our Southampton base.

"This welcome addition to the domestic network at Southampton and Belfast International will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome city or leisure break.

"Adding the new Northern Irish destination of Belfast International significantly improves critical connectivity between the UK’s regions."

The announcement comes as Eastern Airways has also announced a new Humberside to Esbjerg service, a new daily service from East-Midlands to Newquay and increased Newcastle to Aberdeen flights.