Helvetic Airways will start flying between Cardiff and Zurich from next year.
The Swiss airline will launch a four times weekly service from March 2011, with departures from Cardiff on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A 100-seat Fokker aircraft will be used to operate the route.
Cardiff Airport said it is the first time there has been a direct service between the Welsh capital and Switzerland’s largest city.
Patrick Duffy, managing director of Cardiff Airport, said: “We are hoping it will be welcomed by our customers and in particular the business community here in Wales.”
Research by the airport showed that Zurich is one of the most sought after business destinations in Wales, said Duffy.
“After months of hard work we’re delighted Helvetic Airways has decided to offer this route to south Wales travellers.”
Bruno Jans, Helvetic Airways’ CEO, said the airline’s own research had also convinced him the route could do well.
“This service will be providing what the market has been asking for,” he said.
www.helvetic.com