Flybe is to begin a service between Belfast City and Manchester in January with three return flights a day and a fourth added in February.
Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe
Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer at Flybe, said: "Belfast City to Manchester is a significant route in terms of both business and leisure travel.
"It has been unchallenged and uncompetitively priced until now and it is a service which we intend to grow and firmly establish in our route network."
The airline also announced a new service from Manchester to Exeter, and it plans to open a further six routes out of Manchester over the next two years.
"It is our intention to position this airport as another Flybe low cost centre," said Mr Rutter.
The Belfast-Manchester service, beginning on January 9th, has one way fares starting at £21.99 including taxes and charges, said Flybe.
PA