BRITISH Airways is to launch seven new routes from Manchester Airport this summer, meaning Cheshire residents have a route into Europe with the nations flagship carrier.

From May, the airline will begin summer-only direct flights from Manchester to the popular Spanish sunspots of Alicante, Malaga, Ibiza and Palma, the Greek island of Mykonos, Nice in the South of France and a weekly service to London City Airport.

The move marks a return to Manchester for the airline, which since 2007 has only operated flights – 10 return flights a day – to London Heathrow.

British Airways currently operates up to 10 return flights a day between Manchester and London Heathrow.

All flights will operate on modern Embraer 190 jet aircraft, with spacious cabins and two abreast seating so every customer can have an aisle or window seat.

Club Europe and eligible Executive Club customers will also be able to use the rooftop British Airways Terraces Lounge at Manchester Airport. Club customers receive complimentary food and drinks on board, a generous free baggage allowance and free seat selection and on-line check-in.

All the new return British Airways flights from Manchester will operate once a week at weekends, with the exception of the Ibiza route which will operate three times a week, and will provide more than 35,000 extra seats from the North West.

Alex Cruz, British Airways chief executive and chairman, said: “We are very excited to be launching all these new routes from Manchester, providing customers with flights to the sun direct from their doorstep with British Airways. These are the destinations that our customers tell us they want to fly to so we look forward to a busy summer.

“In addition the Thursday night flight from London City, in the heart of the capital’s commercial district, will provide commuters with a valuable air link back to Manchester, with the return flight to London City on a Sunday.”

Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are pleased to see British Airways introduce new services to Manchester Airport with a handful of exciting destinations.

“They offer something for both the leisure and business passenger, and I am sure the London City route will prove particularly popular with corporate travellers looking for additional connectivity with our capital.

“I look forward to the routes starting in due course, all of which continue to showcase Manchester as the UK’s global gateway for the north.”

Basic each way fares from Manchester to Alicante, Ibiza, Nice and Palma from £49, to Malaga from and £59 and to Mykonos from £69 are available to book on ba.com