Aer Lingus Regional will offer new flights from to Cork, Ireland, to Southampton Airport from March 2016.

There will be up to five flights per week between Cork and Southampton, and they will be operated by Stobart Air.

Tickets will be on sale from today.

Announcing flights, Martin Saxton, chief commercial officer of Stobart Air, said: “We are very pleased to announce the addition of new Aer Lingus Regional routes from Cork to Southampton.

“Choice in regional connectivity is paramount for our customers and key to our growth.

“Together with both Cork and Southampton Airport, we look forward to working together to develop and grow these new routes.”

Cork is the Republic of Ireland’s second largest city and is a cosmopolitan city full of culture, colour and variety.

The city centre of Cork is set on an island surrounded by the River Lee and many interesting waterways.

The streets are packed with beautiful Georgian avenues and modern masterpieces like the opera house and St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral.

Cork is best explored by foot and a sign posted walking tour makes this easy work.

This route will add to Southampton Airport’s existing route network to Ireland which includes Dublin and Belfast.

The new Cork route will open up the whole of the southern region and is ideal for business and pleasure.

Managing director of Southampton Airport, Dave Lees, said: “We are delighted to announce this new route to Cork from Southampton Airport, as Cork is the most requested route in Ireland from here, with the exception of Dublin and Belfast which are already operating.

“This new air link will open important connections for our region, which will be useful for business, the cruise industry, yachting, the universities and those visiting friends and relatives.”