New routes being launched from Belfast by Aer Lingus have been welcomed by officials at Belfast Airport.

Aer Lingus is set to introduce new flights from Belfast to Munich, Milan and Lanzarote later this year as part of its winter timetable. Extra services to Malaga and Rome have also been added to the schedule.

Other destinations that feature in the winter timetable include Heathrow Airport, Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Commenting on the announcement, John Doran, managing director of Aer Lingus, said the new routes will significantly enhance access to Europe from Northern Ireland.

"The addition of Italy's second and Germany's third cities to the extensive international route network from Belfast International Airport signifies more landmark progress," he commented.

Earlier this week, Aer Lingus announced that it is to increase its fuel surcharge for flights to the USA from May 14th.

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