CRUISES, WINTER SUN & SKI - PLUS THE CHANCE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AND SANTA CLAUS SEES CAPACITY AT BOURNEMOUTH AIRPORT GROW BY 19%

Fly cruise enthusiasts, sun worshippers and skiers have a great selection of holiday and flight options from Bournemouth Airport this winter.  In addition, there are one-off flights to view the Northern Lights as well as day trips to see Santa in Lapland.

With a total of 19% more seats available this year and predicted passenger increases of approximately 22,000+, Bournemouth Airport is well placed to serve the entire South West region's holiday needs this winter.

Fly-cruises

For the first time ever, Hurtigruten will be offering three 'Northern Lights' fly-cruises - ranging in duration from 5 to 12 days.  There is no better way to experience this amazing light display than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway as the Northern Lights are set against a dark sky, away from the artificial light of towns and cities. Flights depart on 2 February, 10 March and 29 March and prices start at £1,019 per person.

At the other end of the temperature scale, a flight from Bournemouth to Barbados in March will connect with the luxurious 'Azura' - one of the largest cruise ships in the P&O fleet. The 14 night cruise will take in St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten, then across the Atlantic to Ponta Delgada (the largest of the Azores) before arriving in Southampton.

Sun-worshippers

For those who want guaranteed winter sun, there will be a total of 8 flights each week to the Canary Islands - flying with Thomson and Ryanair In addition Ryanair will be offering 2 flights a week to the ever-popular resorts of Malaga and Alicante, whilst Thomson flights to Cyprus start on 5 March.

Skiers

The easyJet route to Geneva is perfect for those wanting a quick and easy way to get to the French and Swiss Alps.  Some of Europe's most popular resorts - Chamonix, Verbier, Courmayeur, La Plagne and Val d-Isere - are all within a couple of hours drive of the airport.  In addition, Crystal Ski's weekly flight to Turin offers ski holidays with some Italian flair.  Italy has some great skiing in a more laid back atmosphere - and offers good value for money.  easyJet will operate 6 flights a week starting on 14 December; Crystal Ski flights start on 22 December. 

Lapland

For those who want to meet Santa Claus before the 'big day', there's a day trip to Lapland 14 December (with Thomson) and on 22 December (with Transun).  You'll see Santa and his elves making toys and getting ready for Christmas - and you might even be able to hand him your Christmas present list in person.  Optional excursions include husky and reindeer sleigh rides.

Northern Lights

Experts claim that this winter is expected to be one of the best in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights so - in addition to the Hurtigruten fly cruises - Omega Holidays will, once again, be operating two evening flights to view this spectacular sight (29 November and 24 February).  The evenings start with a presentation by expert astronomers who also join the flight. Prices start at £199.95 per person.

However, if you would like to spend a little more time looking at this incredible phenomenon, Transun's four-night break departing on 9 February, could be the answer. Accommodation is on a half-board basis and there is a wide choice of hotel accommodation and itinerary options. Prices start at £899 per person.

Paul Knight, Managing Director Bournemouth Airport said:  "These additional routes are great news for the airport and I am delighted that we are able to offer our passengers a growing choice of flight and holiday options this winter. Not only does our wealth of routes and destinations serve the Dorset and surrounding area, but these extra services are also an excellent opportunity to increase connectivity and holiday options for the whole South West region."

For more information on Bournemouth Airport's entire destinations log on to: www.bournemouthairport.co.uk

-ENDS-

For more information or images contact: the Bournemouth Airport Press Office: 08442 434 100 / pressoffice@bournemouthairport.com

Notes to editors:

• Bournemouth Airport is part of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the airport operator that serves 42 million passengers every year through its ownership and operation of Manchester, London Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth airports.