EASYJET has announced it will be running flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Belfast International Airport this summer, with the first plane jetting off next month.

The carrier has moved into the popular route following the collapse of Stobart Air at the weekend, which saw the Aer Lingus services between Yeadon and Northern Ireland's capital cancelled.

British Airways has already picked up this route to Belfast City Airport, but EasyJet is now offering a competitor service to Belfast International.

The first flight will take off on July 9 and will fly four days a week on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays, with tickets starting at £30.99.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “We know our customers can’t wait to be reunited with friends and family or have more opportunity to explore the UK, so this new route from Leeds should prove popular and will further strengthen our UK domestic network providing customers with even more choice. 

“We also know it is important to our customers to be reunited with loved ones overseas so we continue to urge the UK government to add more countries to the Green list – which can be done safely - to make this possible.

“We continue to have some of the most flexible policies currently in place so customers can book with confidence and change their plans if they need to, making travel as easy as possible this summer.”

John Cunliffe, aviation and commercial director at Leeds Bradford, added:​ “I am delighted to welcome easyJet’s investment in Leeds Bradford Airport.

"The announcement of the new route to Belfast International Airport further strengthens the connectivity between Northern Ireland and the Leeds City Region, the largest economy in the UK outside of London.

"The service will have strong appeal to both business and leisure travellers alike, with an array of touristic opportunities for a UK staycation available at both ends of the route and, of course, a welcome opportunity to safely reunite with friends and family.”