It was only a few short weeks ago that I reported that Southampton Airport was to start operation on a new summer service to Skiathos, in Greece. But now the airport has announced that the service to the ever popular Mediterranean destination began its weekly schedule this week.

Discussing Southampton Airport’s first direct route to Greece, which will run every Tuesday until 2 October 2018, Neil Garwood, managing director for Southampton Airport, said: “We are really excited to finally launch the flight to Skiathos. We are committed to providing more exciting destinations to our customers, and this is the first time we’ve opened up a getaway to the Eastern Mediterranean.”

FlyLolo CEO, Paul Dendle, added: “We’re excited that this is the first ever flight from Southampton to Greece, we see this as an important moment in the development of Southampton Airport which provides a stress-free alternative to the London airports. It’s a first step for our expansion plans for 14 destinations next year to the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Laying on the glitz and glamour for the inaugural flight the airport even brought in ABBA’s Angels, a cover band of the Swedish popsters, to serenade the departure lounge with Seventies classics, in vogue more than ever thanks to the popularity of the Mamma Mia! film franchise.

“This is a connection that I and many others have long hoped for”

Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, a passenger on the new route, also said: “I am delighted that the first ever direct flight to Greece is being launched from our fantastic local Southampton Airport! This is a connection that I and many others have long hoped for and it has only been made possible because of determination and commitment of FlyLolo and Southampton Airport.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone involved for making this connection a reality and am looking forward to even more Greek destinations starting in 2019. I am thrilled that people in this area can now easily enjoy the beauty, history and hospitality that Greece has to offer.”