Eastern Airways has moved quickly to rescue two routes to the island, following Citywing’s liquidation.

The UK regional airline, which operated services to the island between 2004 and 2009, will secure the future of services to Newcastle and Belfast City from Ronaldsway.

Flights to Newcastle and Belfast City will start tomorrow (Monday) with Eastern Airways offering daily weekday services from the Isle of Man on a 29-seat Jetstream 41 aircraft.

Flights to Belfast City will depart from Ronaldsway at 11.05am arriving in Belfast at 11.45am. Services leave Belfast City at 12.15pm landing in the island at 12.55pm.

Services to Newcastle leave Ronaldsway at 1.25pm, arriving in Newcastle at 2.25pm. From Newcastle flights depart at 9.35am, arriving in the Isle of Man at 10.35am.

Fares start from £99 one way, including taxes and charges and are now bookable via www.easternairways.com or local travel agents.

Mathew Herzberg, head of commercial for Eastern Airways, said: ’By moving fast to protect these vital routes to and from the Isle of Man, this will help to provide continuity for business and leisure travellers.

’We will offer complimentary hot and cold drinks, including a bar service on board our flights and provide a daily link to both Newcastle and Belfast City.’

Ann Reynolds, director of ports, said: ’It will be very good news to see Eastern Airways back operating on the island, even more so in continuing the Newcastle and Belfast services in a seamless approach.

’Eastern Airways offers an excellent service and has a good punctuality and reliability track record.’

Passengers flying with the airline are not charged for check-in, baggage or choice of seat.

Hold baggage allowance is 15kg per person and hand luggage allowance is 10kg per person. Those with fully flexible tickets are entitled to two 23kg hold bags.

Check-in opens 90 minutes before the flight with check-in closing just 30 minutes before the departure time.

Eastern Airways has been operating for 19 years and has two Embraer 170 and three Embraer 145 jets in its fleet, as well as nine Saab 2000s and is the largest operator in the world of Jetstream 41 aircraft with 17.

The Department of Infrastructure is also working with airlines in respect of the other routes previously operated by Citywing.

Discussions are continuing and a further update will be provided at the earliest opportunity, a DoI spokesman said.