EASTERN airways has launched a new route to Dublin from Southampton Airport.

The airport in Eastleigh announced on its social media platforms last week that the new routes would start from July 19.

Running four times a week, on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the flights will be operated by the UK based, regional airline, Eastern Airways.

The return of the service, formerly operated by Flybe has been continually set back as a result of the pandemic but as travel restrictions ease, Eastern Airways says it can now re-establish this "popular route and link these two important regions again".

Bookings can be made through the Eastern Airways website for the new flights.

Roger Hage, GM for Eastern Airways said: “We are delighted to see Southern Ireland open up again to international travel which will provide essential connectivity for businesses and tourism as the economy starts to recover as well as allowing family and friends to reconnect.

"The Dublin service is a much welcomed addition for our continued plans at Southampton airport and compliment Belfast-City on Northern Ireland we also operate in an ever expanding South-Coast network.”

Flights to Nantes and Rennes are also due to be launched the week beginning September 6 from the airport.

The original date of April 29 for these flights was pushed back due to the entry restrictions issued by the French and UK governments.

Matt Hazelwood, AGS Commercial Director, added: “It is fantastic to see a Dublin service return to Southampton after an absence of more than a year.

"The Irish capital has always been hugely popular with our passengers and I’m sure it will be once again as we begin the see the safe restart of operations and the frequency increase under Eastern Airways."