HOLIDAYMAKERS from Hampshire can now fly direct to holiday island famed for its sunshine and nightlife.

TUI’s groups Thomson & First Choice brands first flight to Ibiza from Southampton airport takes off on Thursday.

Flights to the holiday isle will run from Southampton, every Thursday for the next 17 weeks.

Dave Lees, managing director of Southampton Airport said: “We are delighted that Thomson and First Choice have launched a new route to Ibiza. It demonstrates the holiday company’s commitment to the airport and provides, even more, choice to local people.”

The new route is part of TUI’s strategy to use more regional airports.

Karen Switzer, director of aviation planning for TUI UK & Ireland, added: “Introducing the new route to Ibiza is a key part of our strategy to enhance the holiday experience for our customers from Southampton and give them wider access to our exciting collection of destinations.”

More than 7.1 million visitors visited the Balearic Island last year, nicknamed the White Isle.

The flight will give tourists from Southampton the chance to access some of Thomson’s and First Choice’s most popular flagship hotels in Ibiza, including the Sensatori Resort and the adults-only 4T Platinum Club featuring luxury spas and live music shows.

Thomson will be using 100s-seater Boeing 717s for the two hour twenty minute flights. One way fares start at £184.

Scroll through the gallery above to see more destinations from Southampton Airport