One of Europe's largest and most successful regional airlines is to start daily passenger flights from Kent International Airport (KIA) to Edinburgh, it has been announced.

The new service introduced by  airline Flybe  from  Manston Airport is the first daily route since the EUjet company collapsed in 2005.

Airport owners Infratil said that the new flights could increase projected passenger numbers from 50,000 in 2010 to more than half a million by 2014.

Flybe's new route will operate between 27 May to 30 October.

The 80-minute service will be provided by a 78 seated Bombardier Q-400 turboprop aircraft.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010