{"id":158378,"date":"2026-09-22T22:21:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158378"},"modified":"2026-09-22T21:59:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:29:10","slug":"delta-linked-to-new-belfast-boston-flights-after-key-northern-ireland-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/22\/delta-linked-to-new-belfast-boston-flights-after-key-northern-ireland-talks\/","title":{"rendered":"Delta Linked to New Belfast-Boston Flights After Key Northern Ireland Talks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BELFAST\u2014<\/strong> Delta Air Lines (DL)<\/a> has been linked to discussions over a possible return of direct transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussions emerged after a meeting between Northern Ireland\u2019s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Rich Davey, chief executive of Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting has renewed attention on Belfast\u2019s long-standing efforts to restore nonstop US connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official documents from the meeting indicated that Massport was involved in ongoing engagement with Delta over the possibility of establishing a direct air service between Belfast and Boston, although no new route has been confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo- Delta News Hub; Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delta Eyes Belfast Connectivity Talks With Airlines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The discussions are significant because Boston remains one of the major international gateways in the northeastern United States, while Northern Ireland currently lacks a regular direct transatlantic passenger service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davey reportedly met representatives from both Belfast International Airport (BFS)<\/a> and Belfast City Airport (BHD) during his visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belfast International is currently the airport positioned to handle a conventional long-haul operation because of its longer runway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belfast City, meanwhile, is pursuing a major development programme, but its current plans do not include extending the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta already has commercial connections with Northern Ireland through its relationship with Airbus and its growing A220 fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Components for the A220 are produced in Belfast, while Dungannon-based engineering company Mallaghan also has links with the US carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Delta
Photo : Mogami Kariya | Wikimedia Commons | <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland Targets New US Routes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The possible Delta discussions come as Stormont develops its first regional aviation policy, with international connectivity forming an important part of the strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department for the Economy has proposed a route development scheme designed to support new routes, including the restoration of regular transatlantic services to North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland\u2019s aviation authorities have also been examining financial mechanisms that could help support new international routes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The policy work follows years of efforts to attract airlines capable of operating direct services to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The region previously had nonstop connections to the US. Continental Airlines began Belfast International\u2013Newark services in 2005, with United Airlines<\/a> taking over after its merger with Continental, but the route ended in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norwegian later operated a Belfast\u2013Boston service before withdrawing from the market in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo : 4300streetcar | Wikimedia Commons | <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Belfast Builds Long Haul US Connectivity Initiative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland is now seeking to create conditions that could make a new transatlantic route commercially viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government\u2019s aviation policy consultation highlighted air connectivity as important for tourism, trade, investment and regional economic activity, while passenger numbers across the region\u2019s three airports reached around 9.3 million annually in 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another long-term objective is the introduction of US preclearance at Belfast International, which would allow eligible passengers to complete US immigration procedures before departure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such facilities already operate at Dublin and Shannon, giving passengers travelling from Ireland an established alternative for US-bound journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, Delta has not confirmed plans for a Belfast route, The Irish News<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the reported engagement with Massport adds another development to Northern Ireland\u2019s continuing effort to restore direct air links with North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Delta Cuts 4 Routes From New York and Las Vegas This Winter 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>