THE return of Flybe has been branded "welcome news for the industry" as it is set to launch three routes. 

As announced yesterday, Flybe Ltd will launch two summer routes from Southampton to France. 

It will also be conducting flights to Belfast which will begin as of April 13 and operate as often as twice a day. 

It comes after Flybe was pushed into administration in March 2020. 

Its business and assets were then purchased in April 2021 by Thyme Opco, which has now been renamed Flybe Limited.

Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns and operates Southampton airport said: “The re-emergence of Flybe as an airline is welcome news for the industry and our passengers as we continue to rebuild the vital connectivity the regions we serve rely on."

Flybe is also due to operate summer flights to Avignon and Toulon once a week.

Mr Hazelwood added: “We are pleased to see further daily services introduced to Belfast City that will deliver greater choice and convenience for those looking to travel to Northern Ireland’s capital, while weekly flights to Avignon and Toulon should prove popular with travellers heading to France this summer.”

Politicians have also welcomed the news with the leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Keith House telling the Echo that the return is good news for the airport. 

"It’s good to get Flybe back, even if for just a small number of routes and with very limited capacity.

"Southampton Airport is on the road to recovery but will only be sustainable for the future when it can bring major airlines with frequent routes, which requires the runway extension to be built.”

Flybe CEO, Dave Pflieger, added: “We think our new flights will benefit everyone who wants low fares and more flights to go on holiday and visit loved ones.

"Our new network will also ensure better regional connectivity inside the UK and between various UK and EU regions.

“Our goal is to create an airline that people love, and we aim to do that by making air travel on Flybe an easy and enjoyable experience so you will fly with us again in the future.

"The new Flybe team has worked tirelessly over the past year to create an airline that delivers on price, schedule, and choice.” 

Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes told the Echo: "I am delighted to hear that Flybe will be making a return to Southampton Airport, offering a number of routes this summer.

"The additional 20,000 seats are much welcomed, but is still only a fraction of the operation when Flybe were based in Southampton.

"To ensure the long-term success of the airport, it is essential that the runway extension goes ahead and we again have a vibrant regional airport right here in Eastleigh, with a vast array of regional connections."