FLYBE, Europe’s largest regional airline, yesterday (Monday) announced a new three-times-a-week service from Ireland West Airport Knock to Leeds Bradford in the UK.

The new route will commence on March 25, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, and will be the third addition to Flybe’s route network at the airport following the introduction of new services to Edinburgh and Manchester last year.

Announcing the new route, Flybe’s managing director, Andrew Strong, commented: “Flybe is committed to developing our route network throughout the regions, to keeping business and leisure travellers moving during these continued economically challenging times. We look forward to the start of our new Ireland West Knock to Leeds Bradford service in March and to welcoming all our new passengers on board.”

Joe Gilmore, managing director of Ireland West Airport Knock, said: “The addition of this direct three-times-a-week service to Leeds Bradford with Flybe comes as welcome news at the start of a year that is expected to be the busiest year in the airport’s history.

“We are delighted that Flybe continue to expand their route network out of our airport and this comes as a huge vote of confidence in this region.

“This brings the number of destinations served in the UK to 10 and is another significant step in the airport’s development as we continue to provide an ever-widening choice of great value, direct and convenient flights to our customers both in Ireland and in the UK.”

For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport.com. For information on fares and to book flights, log onto www.flybe.com.