Easyjet has announced plans to launch flights from Manchester airport to Bilbao.
The news comes shortly after expansion plans at Manchester were announced by Qatar, Etihad and Emirates.
The no-frills carrier said it will be the first direct service between the English and Spanish cities.
Due to launch on June 17, Easyjet will fly three times weekly Bilbao and Manchester.
Ali Gayward, Easyjet’s UK commercial manager, said: “This new route will build upon easyJet’s presence at Manchester Airport and further strengthen the region’s economic links with the Basque Country.”
Last week Easyjet launched flights from Manchester to Palma, and with the new Bilbao route will operate services to 24 destinations from the airport.
www.easyjet.com