THE first EasyJet flight linking Bournemouth to Belfast is set to take to the skies this evening.

All going to plan, Flight EZY536 to Belfast International Airport should be taking off from Bournemouth at 7.10pm.

Ali Gayward, EasyJet’s UK country manager, said: "We are delighted to have operated the first flight today and to be increasing our services from Bournemouth Airport.

"With the addition of the two new summer routes from Bournemouth, our customers now have more travel choices in the region for those looking to take a long-awaited summer break."

The flight to Belfast is the first of two new domestic EasyJet routes from Bournemouth launching this summer, with flights to Edinburgh set to launch on 27 May.

Read more: EasyJet to fly to Belfast and Edinburgh from Bournemouth

Both routes will operate twice weekly, with Belfast on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Edinburgh operating on Thursdays and Sundays, with both services running throughout the summer season, with fares starting from £40.99 per person.

Steve Gill, managing director at Bournemouth Airport, said: "The launch of domestic air connectivity between the South of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland is a milestone moment for Bournemouth Airport.

"The long-awaited return to flying is wonderful news for business and leisure passengers, giving a boost to the regional economy and enabling holidaymakers to take welcome ‘staycation’ breaks in Bournemouth, Belfast and Edinburgh – some of the UK’s most popular destinations."