Ryanair has become the first airline to land at the new Región de Murcia International Airport, which was officially opened by his majesty King Felipe VI of Spain.

Ryanair’s new daily service from East Midlands airport was the inaugural arrival to Murcia International Airport.

In Murcia, Ryanair chief commercial officer, David O’Brien, said: “Ryanair is pleased to celebrate the arrival of our first flight at Región de Murcia International Airport.

“Ryanair was the first airline to touch down in Spain’s newest airport, our 27th Spanish destination, where we will carry over 660,000 customers in the next 12 months.”

He added: “As Spain and Murcia’s number one airline, we are delighted to officially launch our first ever summer 2019 schedule for Región de Murcia International.

“Ryanair’s schedule includes nine international routes to Murcia International, which will deliver 660,000 customers through this new airport.”

Ryanair will offer connections from Birmingham, Bournemouth, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester.

President of Aena, Mauruci Lucena, said: “The start-up of Región de Murcia International Airport improves and strengthens the Aena network, which aims to always offer the best infrastructure to travellers and airlines.”