GROWING demand for flights from Southampton to the north-east of England is to result in more services from the city's airport.

South coast travellers heading to Newcastle will have an even greater choice of flights when British Airways increases it operations from Southampton later this month.

British Airways' wholly-owned subsidiary, British Airways CitiExpress, is meeting increased demand from business travellers by boosting the number of scheduled services to north-east England. The airline is increasing frequency from two to four services each weekday to Newcastle from Monday, October 28.

The 75-minute Newcastle flights will take off from Southampton at 8.50am, 12.15pm, 4.20pm and 7.10pm with return services departing from Newcastle at 7.05am, 10.20am, 2.20pm and 5.20pm.

Mike Bathgate, general manager commercial for British Airways CitiExpress, said: "We are increasing flights from Southampton to Newcastle to offer business travellers greater flexibility.

"Our services are by far the quickest way for business and leisure travellers to get to the north-east from the region.

"The south coast of England has good commercial ties with the north-east and our increased Newcastle services will help to further strengthen links with shipping, financial and insurance industries in both regions.''

Southampton International Airport's managing director, David Cumming, said: "At Southampton we are committed to providing a wide range of scheduled services. These additional flights enable travellers to conduct a full day's business with a choice of day-return services."

The airline also operates daily flights from Southampton to Aberdeen, Belfast City, Brussels, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds Bradford and Manchester.