RYANAIR has launched its Nottingham East Midlands flight direct from City of Derry Airport.

The daily service is expected to be in demand because of its close proximity to major cities such as Birmingham, Leicester, Sheffield and Coventry.

Ryanair will offer over 1000,000 seats on the route per year.

Speaking at the launch, Ryanair's Communications Executive Lorna Farren said: "We are delighted to launch this new route connecting the City of Derry with Nottingham and the East Midlands region.

"February marked the start of Ryanair's services to Liverpool and we now connect Derry with three of the UK's top cities.

"This year we look forward to delivering 400,000 passengers to the North West region and supporting 400 jobs in the area.

Welcoming the route, the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Lynn Fleming said it presented significant opportunities for onward and inbound tourism travel and was more good news for the City of Derry Airport just weeks after the Liverpool route commenced.

She said: "I am delighted that the airport has once again secured another new direct route.

"This service will greatly boost business and tourism opportunities to and from the region. I wish the service every success and look forward to improving tourism and business opportunities for the North West."