Twice-weekly flights both to Alicante and Malaga took off yesterday while a route to Faro with the same frequencies launches in May.

It is predictes the three routes will serve 75,000 passengers before they are terminated at the end of October. It is then hoped the flights will be operated as year-round itineraries.

 Aberdeen airport managing director, Carol Benzie, said: “We’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Ryanair to the airport since we announced these fantastic new routes last July and I’m delighted to welcome the airline back to the North-east after a six-year hiatus.

“These routes are particularly exciting for us, as Alicante and Malaga were the two most requested destinations in a leisure survey we carried out with the local community early last year.

“It’s brilliant to know that Aberdeen holidaymakers can now easily reach their favourite destinations direct from their local airport, without the inconvenience of long car journeys or multiple flights.

“Furthermore, with two flights to Alicante and Malaga per week, passengers have the choice of either a quick, three-day getaway or a longer break in the sun.”