VLM Airlines is to launch a new service from Birmingham airport to Antwerp from October 5.
The three times-weekly service will depart Antwerp for Birmingham at on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1135, landing into Birmingham at 1205, with the return leg leaving the UK at 1430, landing back into the Belgian city at 1700.
There are currently no direct flights between the two cities, and Steve Blair, COO for VLM said that there were “strong business synergies between these cities for industries including fashion, diamond, automotive and chemicals”.
“We are confident this new route will also be attractive to people looking for a city break and can be used as a gateway to Bruges, Ghent and Brussels, all accessible in under an hour from Antwerp,” added Blair.
VLM already offers a four times-weekly service from Birmingham to the Irish city of Waterford.
The Belgian carrier now operates an independent airline following a management buyout in 2014, having previously been a subsidiary of Air France-KLM and subsequent German owner Intro Aviation.
Mark Caswell