PLANS to take passengers daily between a Hampshire airport and the Channel Islands are being discussed.

Talks have begun to bring the first scheduled passenger flights to Solent Airport at the former HMS Daedalus site, Fareham Borough Council has announced.

Regional and City Airports is working closely with Air Alderney to progress the proposal which seeks to create a daily service from the Channel Islands to Solent Airport.

The announcement comes in the airport’s centenary year.

Executive leader of the borough council, Cllr Seán Woodward said: “This could be great news for both Solent Airport and for Fareham.

“Already a thriving airport for private flyers and an increasing number of business people, establishing a scheduled passenger service will open the airport up to a whole new range of customers, whilst Fareham will benefit from more visitors coming to the town.”

If the plans go ahead passengers will be able to board an eight seater Islander plane to Alderney.

Danny Wilson, from Air Alderney, said: “We are looking forward to working with Solent Airport to get this exciting idea off the ground.”

A decision on the new service is expected in the next few months.

Earlier this year, a multi-million pound scheme to upgrade the airport was approved by the district council. It was hoped the proposals, which would see 11 hangars built for commercial and aviation use, could create 1,000 jobs.