A new five times weekly service from Newquay Airport to Dublin will start in May as the airport announces a link up with Irish airline Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air, is targeting 20,000 passengers in the first year of service.

Initially, there will be four flights per week – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – increasing to five flights per week – Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – in the peak summer months, from 27 June to 5 September 2015.

Al Titterington - MD at Newquay Cornwall Airport, said: “I am delighted to announce this exciting new service to Dublin with a high profile airline like Aer Lingus.

"Our customers have been demanding this connection and Dublin has been a key focus of the airport’s route development strategy which aims to grow our sustainable route portfolio across multiple airlines.

"We expect the route to be very popular, especially inbound visitors from Ireland, and will also offer seamless connectivity to the USA where passengers can pre-clear customs and immigration in Dublin”.

Julian Carr, MD of Stobart Air, said: “Aer Lingus Regional is very pleased to be offering Ireland’s first route to Cornwall. We are confident that it will become a popular route, and a key part of our summer services. The addition of Newquay, our thirteenth route from Dublin Airport, reflects the ongoing success of our airline in providing value and key connections for our customers.

“Cornwall and South West England have a great deal to offer, maintaining their own unique culture and history through numerous heritage and leisure sites, arts and language festivals, and varied cuisine.”

Councillor Adam Paynter – portfolio holder for partnerships at Cornwall Council, added “Today’s announcement is more great news for the airport and for Cornwall. The introduction of this route will bring significant numbers to Cornwall next year, which ultimately will support local tourism.

"The county relies heavily on visitors from outside the region and to have a quick and convenient connection with Ireland will bring significant economic benefits.”