This Weeks News

So it's still not too late to treat the children to an unforgettable festive adventure including the chance to ride husky sleighs and snowmobiles, go Christmas shopping and most importantly, meet Santa himself!

Falcon's Lapland day trip departs from Belfast International on December 9 at 07.15hrs and returns from Rovaniemi at 19.00hrs, arriving in Belfast at 20.45hrs. Adults travel for £459 and children for £409 including all taxes and charges.

For those looking for some winter sun and to recharge the batteries before the Christmas holidays, Falcon has some great deals to the Canaries. A Falcon package departing Belfast International on Dec 12 to Sun's Gardens Apts, Gran Canaria, is priced at £264pp based on two people sharing.

Meanwhile, a Lanzarote flight from Belfast International on December 15 with accommodation at Bitacora Apts is selling at £284 pps, based on two people sharing. A flight a day later to Tenerife, staying at Laguna Park II, costs £289 pps. And if you fancy soaking up the sun on Christmas Day, there's a flight to Gran Canaria from Belfast on December 19. Accommodation is at Cala D'Or Playa Apts and costs £347 pps. For further information or to book, call Falcon Direct, log on to Falcon's website or contact your local travel agent.

Olympic legend and unlikely superstar Eddie the Eagle took to the skies earlier this week to help launch low cost airline bmibaby's new route to Geneva.

The new ski route straight to the slopes, actually begins on December 17 from Belfast City Airport and will operate twice a week Saturdays and Sundays with a Friday service over Christmas.

Following the launch of Amsterdam at the end of October 2011, this is the second European route bmibaby has launched from Belfast City Airport this year. During 2012 the low cost airline will launch six new sunshine routes from Belfast City Airport. bmibaby is currently on sale with flights to Mahon, Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro and Ibiza for summer 2012.

Julian Carr, Managing Director, bmibaby, said: "Who better to launch our ski route than larger than life ski jumping legend Eddie the Eagle. The new Geneva service offers Northern Ireland customers the opportunity to get to the slopes conveniently from Belfast City Airport and whether you are a beginner or a seasoned skier, the many resorts close to Geneva will cater for your needs."

Katy Best, Belfast City Airport commented: "Geneva is an excellent destination for skiing, and offers a huge number of resorts within a short drive. We believe the product we have to offer at Belfast City Airport, including close proximity to the city, our customer services initiatives and our terminal facilities will make flying from Belfast City Airport to Europe the preferred choice for passengers in Northern Ireland."