Eurowings is to launch a new direct flight service between Edinburgh Airport and Munich on March 31 next year.

The five times weekly service further strengthens the Scottish capital’s links with Europe as the UK government heads for a possible exit from the EU.

Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “I am delighted that Edinburgh Airport has a direct new service into Bavaria.

“This offers even greater choice and is further confirmation of Edinburgh Airport’s position as a leader for connectivity between Scotland and the continent for both business and leisure passengers.

“We are well on course to have handled in excess of 12 million passengers by the end of the year and we are continuing to grow, create jobs and make a positive contribution for Scotland’s economy.”

Munich was Edinburgh’s first twin city in 1954 and this new link reinforces and renews business and cultural ties between Bavaria and Scotland.

Cllr Gavin Barrie, Economy Convener, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As well as being a great boost to the city’s economy, the new airline will further strengthen our existing links with Munich, the first international city to be twinned with Edinburgh in 1954.

“The airport plays an important part in increasing visitor numbers to Edinburgh and the new airline will benefit business links as well.”

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “VisitScotland plays a very important role in partnering airlines on innovative marketing programmes, helping to bring new and extended routes to Scotland’s network.

“We are delighted that Eurowings has introduced this new service from Munich, which will allow us to welcome even more visitors from one of Scotland’s biggest international markets.”