Budget airline easyJet has announced new flights between Inverness and London Gatwick on a Friday evening.From today, easyJet will operate a flight from Gatwick to Inverness, departing at 6.30pm, and a return flight from Inverness to Gatwick at 8.40pm.

Until now, the last flight from Gatwick to Inverness on a Friday left at 1.50pm.The new flights are a direct response to feedback at a Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) business breakfast at Inverness Airport in January.Today’s announcement will facilitate easier business travel for the Highlands and Islands business community, as well as benefiting the weekend break market,said Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports.

David Richardson, Highlands and Islands manager for the SCDI, added:I am absolutely delighted that easyJet has responded so positively to this call from SCDI and our members.It is clear that one of the key barriers to overcome by businesses in the Highlands and Islands is remoteness from London and the South East, and we have made improved access to London and the south a top priority in our manifesto for the region. This is a great step forward.The airline operates flights in and out of Inverness to Bristol, London Gatwick and Luton.