Loganair is to start flying from East Midlands airport with two new routes.
The Scottish carrier is introducing flights to Brussels – a route previously operated by defunct Flybmi until February – and Inverness from September 2.
Two flights a day will run to the Belgian capital between Mondays and Thursdays with one service on Fridays and Sundays.
Six flights a week will run between East Midlands and Inverness.
A 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft will be deployed from East Midlands.
Fares between East Midlands and Brussels start at £69.99, with Inverness at £49.99.
Loganair currently operates freight services from the airport but this will be the first time it has provided passenger flights from the region.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: “I am extremely pleased to announce the expansion of our route map while also beginning passenger services from East Midlands airport.
“Both of these convenient air links will benefit the overall region, connecting with Belgium’s largest city – home to thousands of multi-national businesses – while Scotland’s Highlands are now just over 90 minutes away.”
East Midlands airport managing director Karen Smart added: “We’re delighted to welcome a new airline to EMA. This is fantastic news for passengers who will have new routes to choose from.
“This is also important for the region as it enhances the connectivity between the East Midlands, mainland Europe and Scotland.
“We look forward to nurturing our relationship with Loganair to enable them to grow their operation with us.”
Brussels airport aviation director Leon Verhallen said: “We are delighted that Loganair will restore flights to East Midlands with up to two daily flights, including a convenient connection from and to Inverness, a city without direct services to Brussels.
“It will offer convenient connections to cities such as Leicester, Derby and Nottingham for business travel and attractive city-trips.
“Loganair is establishing itself as a key regional airline at Brussels airport with a growing number of flights to the UK.”
Inverness Airport general manager Graeme Bell said: “This is excellent news for Inverness and the Highlands as Loganair’s service will enable passengers to quickly access England’s industrial heartland developing business opportunities or exploring the considerable leisure options in Midlands and the nearby Peak District.
“It also makes our region more accessible to English visitors keen to discover all that the north of Scotland has to offer.”
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