Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has confirmed reports it is planning to open a base at Belfast International with effect from March 27. In a statement parsimonious with detail, the Irish LCC said only that it would operate 4x daily return flights to London Gatwick. Though other planned destinations have not yet been officially disclosed, local media have indicated they will include Barcelona El Prat, Berlin Schönefeld, Brussels National, Leeds/Bradford, Nottingham East Midlands and Newcastle, GB.

Ryanair last served the capital of Northern Ireland in 2010 through its other airport - Belfast City. It withdrew from the airfield after a planning application lodged in 2008 to extend the airport's runway by around 600 metres was referred to public inquiry by the Stormont government.