Nouvelair has returned as the only airline to serve Tunis from Gatwick.
The Tunisian carrier suspended flights due to the pandemic in 2020, initially restarted last July 2021 but suspended the service shortly afterwards due to travel restrictions imposed by the UK government.
The first flight back departed on Tuesday with a second to run on Saturdays. A third weekly flight will run on Thursdays from May.
Flights from Manchester to Monastir start in May with a weekly Sunday service, increasing in July with the addition of Wednesday departures.
The privately owned Tunisian airline operates a fleet of ten Airbus A320s
Gatwick airline business development manager David Bell said: “We are delighted that after a two- year wait due to Covid-19, Nouvelair is commencing its twice-weekly service to Tunis, offering passengers the only direct link between Gatwick and the Tunisian capital.
“It’s further positive news that Nouvelair has already committed to adding a third weekly service from May, highlighting the expected popularity of the route and providing excellent links to north Africa for passengers across the south-east.”
Carl Denton, heading UK sales for the airline, added: “After so long in the planning, it was great to see the first flight depart at long last and especially from the South Terminal at Gatwick, having only just re-opened.
“Tunis will serve all of the usual Tunisian holiday resorts as well as providing options for city breaks to the Tunisian capital.
“We are already distributing our capacity via several travel companies as well as access via website www.nouvelair.com and GDS Sabre and Amadeus.”
The website offers 3 price options, from a basic cabin baggage only option to fully flexible, bags and pre-seating included option.