# Delta linked to potential return of direct flights between Northern Ireland and the US

**By:** irishnews.com  
**Published:** 2026-09-22T05:00:01Z  
**Source:** [irishnews.com](https://www.irishnews.com/news/business/delta-linked-to-potential-return-of-direct-flights-between-northern-ireland-and-and-the-us-LS3IZSU37BC75OUYU6ZJTUXUTI)

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Head of Boston’s largest airport told Stormont minister engagements ongoing with the US commercial airline giant

The head of Boston's largest airport Rich Davey (inset), spokes of “ongoing engagement with Delta Air Lines" over the potential return of direct flights to the US from Northern Ireland, during a private meeting at Stormont last month. 

US airline Delta has been involved in engagements with senior business figures over the potential return of direct flights between Northern Ireland and the United States, official documents seen by The Irish News suggests.
The involvement of the Atlanta headquartered carrier, which is the world’s largest airline in terms of revenue, was disclosed during a recent meeting at Stormont between the Infrastructure Minister and the head of Boston’s largest airport.
Rich Davey, who is CEO of Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), met with Liz Kimmins at Parliament Buildings last month in a meeting arranged and attended by the newspaper publisher and former Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.
Massport is the owner of Boston Logan International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the northeastern United States.

Delta linked to potential return of direct flights between Northern Ireland and the US

In the minutes from that meeting, released under the freedom of information act, Mr Davey discussed the opportunities to strengthen connectivity between Belfast and Boston.
One of the world's largest commercial airlines Delta has been involved with engagements around the return of direct flights to Northern Ireland, a senior US business figure has said. (Ted S. Warren/AP) 

According to the minutes, the Massport CEO said that included “ongoing engagement with Delta Air Lines regarding the potential for a direct air service”.
The meeting, which included senior US trade unionist Sean O’Brien, the current general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, also discussed potential US links with Belfast Harbour.
While it’s no secret efforts to resurrect direct long haul flights to the US have been ongoing since Norwegian Air pulled up its wheels at Belfast International Airport in 2018, senior airport and government figures have provided little detail citing commercial sensitivities.
It’s understood Rich Davey met with representatives from both Belfast International and Belfast City airports during his visit to the north last month.
However, only the former currently has a runway long enough to cater for commercial aircraft capable of flying direct to the US.
An image shared of social media by the Department for Infrastructure following the meeting. L-R: Sean O'Brien, Liz Kimmins, Rich Davey and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir. 

The meeting with Liz Kimmins came just four months after Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced plans to develop the north’s first regional aviation policy.
The plans include a route development scheme to secure new air links, including the return of regular transatlantic services to North America.
In a letter to Máirtín Ó Muilleoir ahead of the Stormont meeting with the US delegation, Liz Kimmins recommended that Dr Archibald be included, due to the likelihood “the transatlantic airbridge” would be discussed.
However the Economy Minister was unable to attend the meeting on August 6.
Briefing documents seen by The Irish News state Ms Archibald, along with the First and Deputy First Ministers, met with Belfast International Airport’s senior leadership in January to discuss engagement with US airlines.
Delta already enjoys strong business links with Northern Ireland via its growing Airbus A220 fleet (pictured), which features wings made in Belfast, and its relationship with Dungannon engineering firm Mallaghan. 

The paper reveals “a potential mechanism for co-funding” is being considered for transatlantic flights, with the policy paper due to published later this year.
It also outlines the Department for the Economy’s long-term ambition to establish US preclearance to allow Belfast International to rival Dublin and Shannon airports.
Direct flights between Belfast International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport first began in 2005, operated by Continental Airlines.
United took over the operation in 2012 after a merger with Continental.
The service ended in October 2017 after a £9m deal agreed by the Executive and the airline fell through because the financial package breached EU state aid rules.
Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air launched an Aldergrove to Boston service in 2017, but pulled the service in October 2018 citing a lack of customer demand.
Efforts to entice major airlines to Northern Ireland has included scrapping air passenger duty (APD) on long haul flights after powers were devolved to Stormont in 2012.
In practice, the decision to abolish the air tax, means the UK Treasury takes a cut from the Executive’s block grant every year, even when no flights operate.
The Irish News previously reported the cost of maintaining the zero rate amounted to £10.8m between 2018 and 2024.
APD on economy flights to the US increased to £102 in April.
Delta Air Lines was contacted for comment.