British Airways has re-launched services between Northern Ireland and London Heathrow after an 11-year gap.

Following the acquisition of bmi by International Airlines Group (IAG), British Airways is once again operating the important air link between Belfast City Airport and London Heathrow.

Willie Walsh, International Airlines Group’s chief executive told guests at an event at Belfast City Airport today that British Airways was delighted that the route was again part of the airline’s network and he was committed to maintaining the link.

The event marked the arrival of the first British Airways liveried aircraft to Belfast and was attended by the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, Arlene Foster, minister for enterprise, trade and investment and the lord mayor of Belfast, Ald. Gavin Robinson.

Walsh said: “I am delighted today to see the British Airways colours back in Belfast.

“I publicly committed to serving Belfast if we acquired additional runway slots at Heathrow and the acquisition of bmi has given us the perfect opportunity to make that happen.

“We recognise the importance of the Heathrow link to Northern Ireland.

“Belfast is now part of our global network so this is good news for the economy. 

“It will provide much needed access to key global markets, supporting more inward investment and jobs.”

British Airways is maintaining the current summer schedule on the service, with six daily return flights, but has announced it will increase frequency when it introduces its winter schedule on October 28th, adding an additional flight each day, bringing the total to seven.