Ryanair has announced new routes from Edinburgh Airport

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said the flights to Marseille, Pisa, Bremen, Frankfurt and Alicante would significantly benefit the airport.

The routes are Ryanair's first to continental Europe from Edinburgh, which currently only operates Irish flights to Dublin and Shannon.

According to recently released figures, Edinburgh Airport is on track to become the busiest in Scotland this year.

Expansion welcomed

BAA Edinburgh Airport managing director, David Johnston, welcomed Ryanair's plans for a major expansion of its route network out of the Scottish capital.

He said: "This is fantastic news for Edinburgh Airport, our passengers and for the city.

"Ryanair's expansion from Edinburgh opens up brand new destinations such as Bremen and Marseille, and adds further choice and frequency for passengers flying to Spain, Italy and Germany.

"It is also a boost for Scotland's tourism industry, strengthening our country's connectivity with key inbound visitor markets."