• 11 Aug, 2009
• Business, Nature

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline today (11th August) announced a 3-times-a-week service from Ireland West Knock to Leeds Bradford Airport.  The new route will commence on the 25th March 2010 and it will compliment Ryanair’s existing network of routes at Ireland West Knock which include daily scheduled services to London Luton, London Stansted and Liverpool John Lennon airports in addition to the four-times-a-week services to East Midlands and Bristol International and the recently commenced twice weekly service to Alicante which commenced in June. 

Announcing the new route, Ryanair’s Sales and Marketing Executive, Maria Macken said: “Ryanair is delighted to announce a new route from Ireland West Airport Knock to Leeds Bradford which will operate 3 times weekly from March delivering an additional 45,000 passengers through the West of Ireland.”

“Leeds Bradford is a fantastic addition to the Ryanair network at Ireland West Airport Knock. Leeds has an extensive and diverse range of shops and department stores, and has been described by the Lonely Planet as the 'Knightsbridge of the North'. Major national and regional attractions include the Royal Armouries, Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute and the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Leeds is also the only city outside London to have both its own opera and ballet companies – the internationally acclaimed Opera North and Northern Ballet Theatre.”

“Ryanair is also celebrating further expansion in the UK today and has announced its 34th base at Leeds Bradford. To celebrate this expansion Ryanair is releasing 1 million seats from €10*, including the new route from Ireland West Airport Knock to Leeds Bradford which will be available to book from tomorrow for travel from March 2010.  These fares are sure to be snapped up quickly so we urge passengers to log onto www.ryanair.com today.”

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock said: “The addition of this direct 3-times-a-week service to Leeds Bradford with Ryanair is another significant step in the Airport’s development as we continue to provide an ever-widening choice of great value, direct and convenient jet flights to our customers both in Ireland and in the UK. Given the current economic uncertainty the introduction of this new service is a vote of confidence in Ireland West Airport Knock as a key access point to the UK for people in the West, North West and Midlands regions of Ireland and further strengthens our position as the low cost, convenient alternative to larger congested airports.  This new route will provide a significant boost to the region’s tourism and commercial economies and will deliver in the region of 12,500 additional UK tourists with an associated spend of over €4m to the West, North West and Midlands regions of Ireland”.

About Leeds-Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford International Airport is located at Yeadon northwest of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It serves the cities of Leeds and Bradford, as well as the wider Yorkshire region, and is the largest airport within Yorkshire. Leeds Bradford is the 16th busiest in the UK and Yorkshire's largest airport.

About Leeds
Rich local history, world-class sports, fantastic shopping and diverse year-round entertainment are just some of the things that make Leeds such a great place for everyone to enjoy. Leeds offers unrivalled visitor attractions and experiences, from jousting at the Royal Armouries, to the stunning surroundings of Harewood House and the outstanding collections at Leeds’ many galleries and museums.

Since Harvey Nichols opened a store in Leeds, their first outside London, the city has been dubbed the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’.  Leeds is a shopaholic’s dream – from the elegant Corn Exchange, to the exquisite Victoria Quarter, and the vibrant Kirkgate Market, the city caters for every taste. Leeds boasts a rich creative heritage. It hosts the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and the Leeds International Film Festival, and is home to the West Yorkshire Playhouse. It is also the only English city outside London to have its own opera and ballet companies – the internationally acclaimed Opera North and Northern Ballet.

Situated at the heart of the UK, Leeds is perfectly placed for travelling  to and from, and is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Leeds also boasts a thriving international airport and has one of the busiest train stations outside the capital.

Starting March 30th 2010, flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to Leeds Bradford Airport will depart on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 15:05pm. For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport.com; for information on fares and to book flights log onto www.ryanair.com

*Note: Fares inclusive of taxes and charges, excluding Ireland West Airport Knock’s €10 Development Fee charged on departure to adults and children aged 12 years and older.