Spanish low-cost airline Vueling has returned to George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) for the first time since 2015. Vueling flight number VY 8780 took off from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) at 11:50 and arrived in Belfast at 13:11.
To celebrate Vueling's return to Northern Ireland, the nearly ten-year-old Airbus A320-200 was given a traditional water cannon salute. To provide entertainment for passengers jetting off to the Spanish sun, Vueling arranged for flamenco dancers to perform on the apron.
The flights will be on Monday and Friday
The addition of the twice-weekly flight further strengthens the International Airlines Group (IAG) presence in Belfast, with Aer Lingus and British Airways already offering flights from BHD. When speaking about the Spanish carriers return to Belfast in an airport statement Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, Katy Best, said:
“The addition of Vueling Airlines to Belfast City Airport will provide passengers with more choice this summer, bringing the total number of UK and European destinations served from the airport to 26.
“Vueling offers convenient flight times with a twice-weekly service to the popular Spanish city, and we are sure that passengers will take advantage of its competitive prices and great customer service to enjoy a relaxing break.”
When searching Vueling's website we see that the flights Between Belfast and Barcelona will be on a Monday and Friday and that tickets are available for less than 20 euros. With the schedules as they are, these flights are ideal for a long weekend getaway.
Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.
About Barcelona
Spain has opened its borders to COVID-19 vaccinated travelers and those with a negative PCR test making it the perfect summer sun destination. As for Barcelona, the city has everything a visiting tourist could want, from a medieval Gothic Quarter to Moderniste Gaudi marvels like the still-unfinished La Sagrada Família.
Barcelona is also a paradise for food lovers and has a nightlife bars scene that sees people partying well into the early hours. Last but not least, Barcelona has miles of sandy beaches that have been awarded "Blue Flag" status for their cleanliness, facilities, and quality of the seawater.
About Vueling
Established in 2004 to provide flights between Barcelona and the party island of Ibiza, Vueling has grown to become the largest Spanish airline in fleet size and destinations. With hubs at Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) and Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, Italy, Vueling operates short and medium-haul flights in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. According to the aviation data and statistics website ch-aviation, Vueling has an all-Airbus fleet made up of the following aircraft|:
- 6 x Airbus A319-100
- 76 x Airbus A320-200s
- 25 x Airbus A320-200Ns
- 18 x Airbus A321-200s
Given the days Vueling is operating the BCN-BHD-BCN flights and the fact that the tickets are inexpensive, I would think that during the summer, the route will do well. What do you think about Vueling's new flight between Barcelona and Belfast? Do you think it will be successful? Please tell us what you think in the comments.
*** If you are planning to travel to Spain from abroad from July 7, 2021, you are required to fill out a Spanish health control form online at https://spth.gob.es. Once the form is filled out, it will generate a QR code that you can download to your smartphone.***