BRITISH Airways is set to launch a new route from Southampton Airport to Salzburg this winter.

Connecting the area with the slopes of the Austrian city, the flights will run between December 11, 2021 and April 16, 2022.

Operating once a week on Saturday's from December 11, the flights will set travellers back £75 for a return fare.

This is the second winter route the airline has launched from Southampton having previously announced new flights to Chambery, France that will take off from December 18.

Tom Stoddart, Managing Director of BA CityFlyer which operates the routes, said the new flights are "really exciting" for the company.

"Customers are excited to get away and enjoy parts of Europe they haven’t been able to visit for nearly two years.

"British Airways fares start from £75 making it a very attractive option as a skiing destination this season.”

Matt Hazelwood, commercial director at AGS Airports, which owns Southampton Airport, added that the new route is "fantastic news, particularly given the city hosts one of Europe’s best festive markets".

“The addition of a weekly service will be warmly welcomed by passengers keen to explore Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site historic centre, or to take to the slopes of one of the many ski resorts that neighbour this stunning Austrian city.”