MORE flights are to return to Southampton Airport this month as lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted.

From June 22, UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, will resume its network of routes from Southampton Airport, including Aberdeen, Belfast City, Dublin, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Teesside.

From that date, an initial daily weekday service to Belfast City, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen will be the first to be introduced, with Leeds Bradford and Teesside following on Monday, June 29, and Dublin on July 23.

Frequency of services will be increased as appropriate through July, August and September.

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager Commercial and Operations, said: “We are pleased to announce that our Southampton flights are returning from 22 June with a carefully considered initial frequency to support the major regions of the UK and ensure regional connectivity returns given its vital role in recovering economic prosperity.

"We will continue to increase frequency including the return of weekend services as demand returns along with adding new routes to our network.

"All services will ensure the safest procedures for our customer care are offered in conjunction with our airport partners.”

As restrictions begin to ease, services will be re-introduced with extensive cleaning measures on-board and throughout all aspects of the airport.

Neil Garwood, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: “As we restore airport operations, we are absolutely delighted to welcome back Eastern Airways, providing vital connectivity across the UK, and enabling the recovery of regional economies.”