A NEW through flight has been launched from the Isle of Man into the heart of Europe.The Flybe service to Brussels, which operates every day, except Saturdays, brings the European capital to within two hours 45 minutes from the island.It provides an ideal departure time from Ronaldsway with the aircraft taking off at 9.40am and arriving at Brussels at 1.25pm local time.

Return flights leave Brussels at 1.55pm, and touch down in the Isle of Man at 4.05pm local time.The flight operates via Southampton, but passengers and their baggage are able to remain on the aircraft for the short stop before continuing to Brussels.On the return flight, passengers need to disembark for a brief immigration check at Southampton before continuing the flight to the Isle of Man. However, baggage is through-checked and remains on the aircraft for the entire flight.Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK is delighted with the link from the island into the heart of Europe.

He said: ‘We have, over the years, built up a comprehensive choice of UK destinations, together with our flights to Ireland.However, we have been seeking the opportunity of flying through to a European hub and I am delighted that Flybe has launched this service to Brussels.This link brings endless opportunities for travel, not only to Europe, but to worldwide destinations as Brussels has rapidly developed into a substantial European hub.Brussels Airport has rapidly developed with a wide range of global and European destinations.

This summer no fewer than 80 airlines will operate direct scheduled and charter passenger services to 214 destinations. Connections are available to 11 points in North America, eight in the Middle East and 26 destinations on the continent of Africa.Airport director Ann Reynolds said:This link with the capital of Europe is a big step towards providing the European hub connectivity we have been striving for.With Brussels, we can begin to provide, firstly, a service for the businessman into the heart of Europe, and secondly with excellent transfer opportunities to the major business centres of Europe and the world.’