Two days into the start of winter for the aviation industry, Malta International Airport welcomed its second inaugural flight for the season. The first Ryanair aircraft from Belfast touched down at the airport late on Monday, establishing a connection between Malta and Northern Ireland.

The new service will be provided every Monday and Friday, with flights to Belfast International Airport taking around three and a half hours. The terminal is connected to the city centre via a regular airport express service, and for those who opt for driving the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Just a short walk from the city centre is Titanic Belfast. Located close to where Titanic was designed, built and launched, the six-floor building houses the most comprehensive Titanic visitor experience.

Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway were recently listed by travel guide Lonely Planet amongst the top regions to plan a visit to in 2018. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, the Giant’s Causeway is dotted with some of the most impressive and recognisable rock formations, which have given rise to many a fascinating legend.

Game of Thrones fans will be pleased to know that Belfast houses Titanic Studios, where the series is shot, and is close to a number of locations across Northern Ireland that have served as a backdrop for some of the most epic moments of the series. Tours to these filming locations allow one to be transported to the fantasy world created by the series, whilst taking in Northern Ireland’s breathtaking beauty.

Belfast’s calendar of events ensures that the city buzzes with activity throughout the year. November has become associated with the C.S. Lewis Festival – the author having been born and raised in Belfast – and the Armagh Georgian Festival, which takes place towards the end of the month and marks the beginning of the festive season.

The crew and passengers on board the first flight from Belfast were welcomed at Malta International Airport with the customary cake-cutting ceremony