Bournemouth Airport will be adding a new route to Dublin taking off six times a week from May.

Operated by Aer Arann, the Aer Lingus Regional route from Bournemouth to Dublin will start on May 1 and is the first route the operator will run from the newly-developed airport.

The new service will operate six times a week, every day except Saturday. Prices are from £29.99.

There will be an early evening service from Bournemouth at 4.20pm and an afternoon flight from Dublin at 2.30pm.

Aer Arann’s director of corporate affairs, Andrew Kelly said: “Aer Arann is committed to providing its customers with easy, convenient regional connectivity and great value for money.

“The introduction of this new service will bring increased visitors to both Bournemouth and Dublin and will significantly benefit business travel.

“We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board all of our Aer Lingus Regional services this summer.”

Rob Goldsmith, managing director at Bournemouth Airport said: “Direct flights between Bournemouth and Dublin have always been popular. We are delighted Aer Arann will start operating this Aer Lingus Regional route.

“Dublin provides a wonderful city break destination for people living in our region, while Irish visitors will love a short break to Bournemouth.”

Peter Scott, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “For business users in particular, this new service is both convenient and cost-effective.

“It will provide an incentive for people to get on their metaphorical bikes and explore commercial opportunities with Ireland.

“This new route together with the new route to the Channel Islands with Blue Islands, which started in November and additional flights with Ryanair, means that Bournemouth will have 25 per cent more flights this summer, compared to last year.”

Last month Ryanair announced they would be adding three destinations including Carcassone in France, Malta and Rhodes.

Under a franchise agreement between the two airlines, Aer Lingus Regional flights are operated by Aer Arann using its own ATR aircraft and crew.

Previous Ryanair flights to Dublin from Bournemouth were dropped in October 2010.