Low-cost airline EasyJet will start a new Birmingham route to Belfast International from October.

The inaugural flight will take off from Birmingham Airport on October 22 and will initially be a daily service, increasing to two flights a day on weekdays and one on weekends from October 29.

The service will be the only direct route to Belfast International Airport. Flybe and BMIbaby operate routes to Belfast City Airport.

Ali Gayward, EasyJet UK commercial manager, said: “We’re excited to be expanding our network by launching easyJet’s first year-round route from Birmingham.

“Our schedule, with flights operating at peak morning and evening times, also reflects our continued focus on meeting the needs of the business traveller, as well as offering leisure travellers affordable access to Northern Ireland.

“It will also provide inbound tourism for Birmingham from the Northern Ireland capital city, benefitting the local economy and driving more footfall to England’s second city.”

Martyn Lloyd, air services development director from Birmingham Airport, added: “We’re delighted that such a successful and well known brand like easyJet is expanding from Birmingham, adding to its existing Geneva and Grenoble routes.”

Tickets go on sale on April 23 with one-way fares starting from £22.99.