THOUSANDS of families may still be soaking up the rays on their well-earned summer holiday breaks.

But a leading airline flying out of Southampton has launched new autumn flights tempting parents to get away for the half term holidays.

Flybe has added 32 new flights to eight of its most popular routes taking off from the city and neighbouring centres in Manchester and Birmingham during the October half term.

Now the airline claimed that the extensions – which come after the launch of two new summer flights – will ease the burden on families by offering greater opportunities to get away without soaring costs.

The extended half term schedule includes extra flights from Southampton to Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga and Rennes, with one-way fares from £34.99, including taxes and charges between Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 30.

A company spokeswoman said: “Reports indicate that airlines and operators are often criticised for raising prices during key travel times such as half term. However, we are committed to making life easier for families and has done this by adding extra flights on key routes to make sure that families can get away without the need to take children out of school and miss precious school time when demand is not so high.

“At a time when many parents are concerned about price hikes and the lack of availability during peak holiday periods, we are offering an attractive range of destinations.”

As previously reported the airline has launched new routes to Biarritz and Toulon from Southampton for peak summer travel.

The flights operate to Biarritz, a “surfing capital” in Europe, three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays through to September 25.

Flights to Toulon Hyeres on the Côte d’Azur, which boasts 300 days of sunshine a year will run on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays through to September 12.

FlyBe, Europe’s largest regional airline, flies 218 routes serving 10 countries from 75 departure points and was named the top UK airline for punctuality in a report issued by UK consumer watchdog Which?.

See flybe.com for more information.