BUDGET airline easyJet is launching the first ever direct flights between Glasgow and Milan.

The new year round service to the Italian fashion capital will launch on December 2 and will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The service is expected to carry around 26,000 passengers a year with fares starting at £25.49 one-way.

Milan Malpensa is Easyjet's main base in Europe and the airline already operates direct flights between Milan and Edinburgh.

Ali Gayward, easyJet's Head of Scotland, said: "As Scotland's largest airline we are pleased to further strengthen our network with the announcement of this new route to Milan Malpensa. We believe that this will prove a popular addition to our existing network."

The announcement comes days after easyJet launched a new twice-weekly summer service from Glasgow to Bordeaux. It is the first time the airport has offered direct flights to France's famous wine region.

Francois Bourienne, commercial director at Glasgow Airport, said: "Both Milan and Glasgow are economic powerhouses in their own right and the new direct service will undoubtedly prove extremely popular.

"Not only will it 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."