Business leaders have welcomed Jet2’s decision to offer flights and holidays from Bournemouth Airport to 16 destinations next year.
Up to 27 weekly flights will be introduced, to places such as Tenerife, Rhodes, Ibiza and Crete.
Two of the destinations, Fuerteventura and Madeira, will be exclusive to Jet2 from Bournemouth Airport.
The first flight, to Tenerife, is on April 1, 2025
Over 100 new jobs will be created in Dorset.
Ian Girling, Chief Executive, Dorset Chamber, told Bournemouth One: “We’ve seen Bournemouth Airport really on the up over the last couple of years.
“The Rigby Group are doing a fantastic job with the airport and this just adds to what is increasingly becoming a really important regional airport.
“It’s just brilliant news for everybody.”
Cecilia Bufton, Chair, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Bournemouth Airport is a massive place for jobs.
“It is one of the biggest opportunity areas that we have for expansion and doing more in terms of economic development, possibly one of our under-utilised assets.
“Having Jet2 here will actually help raise its profile and, hopefully, bring others in to do more in the area.”
Tony Brown, President, Dorset Chamber, said: “Fantastic news. Brilliant for the area. Our focus is on the businesses. This can only be good for Bournemouth really.
“It’s another big airline joining the airport.
“It means more footfall for the local businesses, hotels etc but not only that, it’s more employment for the airport directly, both with Jet2 staff as well as Bournemouth Airport so fantastic.”