Southampton airport’s first service to Caen in Normandy will take off in June for a summer season.
Normandy-based airline Chalair will operate the seasonal route which will depart twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays.
The flights will be operated by a 70-seat ATR 72 aircraft from June 28 to September 22.
Christopher Tibbett, aero director for AGS Airports, which owns Southampton airport, said: “We are thrilled to not only welcome new partner Chalair for what is the airline’s first UK route, but we are also celebrating Southampton airport’s first-ever service to Caen.
“Southampton is the only UK airport which will operate a service to the Caen, so we anticipate that the route will be popular with passengers looking to explore this historic French city or those who own second homes in the wider Normandy region.
“With fantastic 40-minute flight times departing Friday mornings and returning Sunday afternoons, Chalair’s Caen service will also be the ideal destination for a summer weekend getaway.”
Alain Battisti, chairman of Chalair, said: “As a Normandy airline based in Caen, Chalair is proud to be part of the region’s touristic offer.
“Flying from Southampton to Caen, our ambition is to improve the local economy and cultural discoveries, contributing to more exchanges.”