EasyJet is switching a service to Luton from George Best Belfast City airport to Belfast International.
The budget carrier said “no tangible benefits” had been found from operating flights from the city airport since they were transferred in January last year.
The Luton link will resume from Belfast International from May 9. The news came as the airline revealed the start of two flights a day to Manchester from the Northern Ireland airport on October 31 with fares starting at £23.99 one way including taxes.
The carrier’s commercial manager Ali Gayward said: “Moving to Belfast City Airport was always a trial, but in over a year we have seen no tangible benefits.
“Our 20 other routes operate from Belfast International and we will now consolidate our overall operation by re-establishing our Luton flights from there as well.
“Luton is a popular route for both business and leisure travellers, and dovetails well with our other London area services from Belfast International to Stansted and Gatwick.”
Commenting on the Manchester and Luton announcements, Belfast International’s business development director Uel Hoey said: “EasyJet’s commitment to an exciting new growth phase at its traditional Northern Ireland home will mean many more passengers coming through the doors at Belfast International.
“I’m particularly pleased that EasyJet has chosen to fortify its already extensive network by filling the obvious gap in the market for a quality service on the Belfast–Manchester route.
“Together with the return of the EasyJet Luton service and ongoing evaluations in respect of other key domestic and international routes, these are truly exciting times for the airport.