The latest new route from Inverness Airport took off today with the start of Ryanair flights between the Highland capital and Nottingham.

More than 90 passengers arrived on the inaugural flights which touched down at 2.40pm, many visiting friends and family in the north.

The service will operate three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) from now on with a single return flight on each day. Flights depart Nottingham at 13.20 and arrive at Inverness at 14.40 before departing Inverness at 15.05 and arriving at Nottingham at 16.25.

Ryanair launched its first service at Inverness in October last year with daily flights operating to Liverpool.

Lucky check-in passenger Jennifer Burns, from Inverness, received champagne, chocolates and flight vouchers courtesy of the airline while arriving passengers were greeted with gifts of chocolate, whisky and promotional literature on Highland 2007, tourist attractions and accommodation in the region.

Inverness Airport manager James Walton said: “We are delighted to celebrate the start of Ryanair’s Nottingham East Midlands service today which opens up new opportunities for Highland travellers with the low fares airline.

“With Highland 2007 making this a great year to visit the region we hope that many leisure travellers will take the opportunity to travel north on the service as well over the coming months.”

For flight information and booking visit the airline’s www.ryanair.com website.