AIRLINE EasyJet is to launch a new route - from Glasgow to Milan.

Passengers can fly from Glasgow Airport to the Italian city from Wednesday and 26,000 are expected to use the route each year.

It will be the Scottish city's first direct connection to Milan with flights operating on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Sophie Dekkers, easyJet’s UK Director, said: "As Scotland’s largest airline we are pleased to further strengthen our network with the launch of this new route to Milan Malpensa.

“Milan’s rich history, range of shops and extensive choice of restaurants are amongst the key attractions for visitors to Milan and we believe that this will prove a popular addition to our existing network.”

The airline already flies to Milan Malpensa from Edinburgh, London Gatwick and London Luton.

Paul White, business development manager at Glasgow Airport, added: “Milan is a fantastic new addition to the wide range of European cities easyJet serves from Glasgow, and we are excited to be bringing this brand new route to our customers.

“Milan and Glasgow have many things in common – as well as being economic powerhouses the two cities enjoy a fantastic reputation for being fashion capitals.

"Not only will this new route provide Scottish passengers with the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s top citybreak destinations, it has huge potential to generate significant in-bound tourism for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

"We have enjoyed tremendous success in strengthening our links with European cities this year, and look forward to working with easyJet to continue the airline’s growth at Glasgow Airport.”

The announcement comes shortly after Easyjet said it would no longer fly from Glasgow to Marrakech.

The airline said the route was no longer viable as tourists shy away from North Africa due to terrorism fears.