EasyJet has begun flying the first direct service to Bilbao from Manchester. The low-fares airline is now operating a three-times-weekly service to Bilbao from Manchester Airport.

Bilbao, located in northern Spain, is the largest city in the Basque Country. The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 boosted the city’s regeneration and, together with its famous cuisine and accessible coastline, made this historical and cultural city a must-visit destination for tourists.

Ali Gayward, UK Commercial Manager at easyJet comments: “Bilbao is a dynamic city that offers visitors a rich culture; it is also ideally located to provide visitors with access to other popular destinations such as San Sebastian, the Pyrenees and Pamplona.

“This new route will build upon easyJet’s presence at Manchester Airport and complement the existing business and leisure destinations currently on offer.”

Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “Bilbao is a welcome addition to our route network giving even more choice to passengers from the north west looking to access Northern Spain. This new destination demonstrates easyJet’s continuing growth at the airport with the airline recently announcing that a seventh aircraft will be based here shortly. I know it's a route that our passengers have wanted so I'm sure it'll be a success."

Earlier this month easyJet announced details of a new agreement that cements its commitment to further expansion at Manchester Airport. The agreement confirms the airline will increase its Manchester fleet; this expansion has already commenced with the arrival of its sixth aircraft in May, and the seventh aircraft is due to arrive at the base in time for the summer 2012 season.

Later this year new services to Berlin, Belfast and Madrid will also begin flying from Manchester.