Spanish airline Vueling is to operate its first service between Barcelona and George Best Belfast City airport.
The airline, which is part of IAG that also owns British Airways, will start the twice-weekly service next May.
Chief executive at Belfast City, Brian Ambrose, said the airline has ambitious plans for growth.
“It remains our aim to attract new airlines to Northern Ireland and facilitate more direct European routes from Belfast,” said Ambrose.
“[Vueling], which carries a high percentage of business travellers, has an extensive network with over 100 destinations across Europe including Paris, Brussels, Rome, Madrid and has a growing presence in Russia, North America and Scandinavia.”
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.
“Tourism Ireland is committed to working with Vueling, Belfast City and other tourism interests, through co-operative marketing, to drive demand for this new service – as we work with other carriers and partners to promote and help maintain vital routes and services to Northern Ireland.”
Click here to read an interview with Vueling CEO Alex Cruz