Tavish Scott said the Berlin air link offered new opportunities

Daily flights to German capital Berlin, Alicante and Malaga in Spain and a weekly flight to Palma on Majorca have been announced by the airline.

It follows a deal to make Glasgow a hub airport, instead of passengers having to travel via London.

The Berlin route, which will begin on 3 May, has been funded by the Scottish Executive's Route Development Fund.

It will operate between Glasgow and Berlin Schonefeld airport and back on a daily basis.

These direct routes will also bring economic benefit to Scotland by encouraging German tourists to the region Toby Nicol Easyjet

The daily services to Alicante and Malaga get under way on 7 July, with a weekly service to Palma starting on 20 May.

Transport Minister Tavish Scott said the service would develop the central European market to Scottish businesses and benefit tourists.

"The new route will also provide an opportunity for football fans to fly direct to Berlin this summer," the minister said.

European gateway

"The city is hosting a number of World Cup matches, including the final. Scotland may not be there, but Scots can be."

Mr Scott said the Route Development Fund (RDF) was helping to expand Scotland's air services to the rest of the world.

The airline expects to carry about 300,000 passengers on these routes in the next year.

EasyJet's Toby Nicol said: "Germany's capital Berlin is a thriving and exciting city which is ideal for business passengers and for weekend breaks while the popular sun destinations of Alicante, Malaga and Palma are perfect for holidaymakers and second homeowners.

"These direct routes are not only advantageous for Scots on business and leisure but will also bring economic benefit to Scotland by encouraging German tourists to the region."