THE return of direct flights between the Isle of Man and Scotland has been welcomed as good news for both countries by Chief Minister Allan Bell.
Citywing will operate nine return flights a week from Glasgow from the end of March.
Mr Bell said: 'It is particularly pleasing that the new service will be in place in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at the end of July, in which the Isle of Man team will be competing.’
The news follows confirmation from British Airways that it intends to operate three return flights a day to London City airport from next spring.
Mr Bell raised concerns over the loss of air services to Scotland when he met Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond earlier this year.
Mr Bell said: 'The return of direct flights between the Isle of Man and Scotland is good news for both countries and an example of what can be achieved when we act in partnership with our neighbours. Alex Salmond’s visit to the Island this summer was part of our ongoing programme of external relations engagement.
'It provided an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest and one of the concerns raised was the loss of our air services to Glasgow and Edinburgh.'