Ryanair is extending its Aberdeen summer 2017 schedule with a new route to Faro.

The new departure is in addition to the low-cost carrier’s two already announced new routes to Alicante and Malaga. Ryanair head of communications, Robin Kiely, said: “We are pleased to extend our Aberdeen summer 2017 schedule with a new route to Faro, which will operate twice weekly in addition to our other new routes to Alicante and Malaga.”

The carrier hopes the new routes will deliver 75,000 customers per year at Aberdeen International Airport.

Aberdeen International Airport managing director, Carol Benzie, said: “We’re delighted to announce another fantastic new route with Ryanair, following the earlier news that they will return to Aberdeen in February with routes to Alicante and Malaga.

“As the main point of entry to southern Portugal and the stunning Algarve region, Faro has long been a popular destination with holidaymakers in Aberdeen.

“The results of a leisure survey that we undertook earlier this year suggested that our local community would like to see the introduction of year-round flights to Faro.

“We listened to the feedback and have worked closely with Ryanair to respond to the demand.

“The twice-weekly service will begin in May 2017 and the arrival of 75,000 new customers per year to the airport will tie in with the exciting £20 million revamp of our main terminal.”