Places such as Wroclaw in Poland have been highlighted

The online research has had about 1,000 responses in just a few days.

The Aberdeen Airport survey is available at www.szkocja24.com and also on the English version of the site www.polesinscotland.com.

An airport spokeswoman said: "We believe there is an appetite for the route between Aberdeen and Poland."

An estimated 25,000 Poles live in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

There are a number of airlines looking at this but we need to substantiate the demand for such a service by asking the Polish people living in our communities directly Penny Godfrey Aberdeen Airport

Visitors to the site answer questions about whether they would use a direct service between Poland and Aberdeen, which Polish airports they would prefer to use, and what determines their flying habits.

Paper copies of the survey made available at a number of Aberdeen venues have also proved popular.

BBC Scotland revealed in August that airport managers were exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights from Aberdeen to Poland.

Both the airport and BAA continue to have discussions with airlines and potential providers of such a service.

'Fantastic' response

Aberdeen Airport marketing manager Penny Godfrey said it was believed there was an appetite for the direct route given the large number of Polish people living in the area.

She said: "There are a number of airlines looking at this but we need to substantiate the demand for such a service by asking the Polish people living in our communities directly.

Poland has proved a popular short break for Scots

"We have had a fantastic number of responses so far and we would like to encourage as many people as possible to complete the survey before the closing date of 15 December, after which the information will be passed on to the relevant airlines.

"This is a great opportunity for members of our Polish community and for north east residents to get involved and to have their say."

The survey is being run on the www.szkocja24.com website which provides information to Polish people living in Scotland.

'High demand'

Project manager Pawel Glowacki said: "There are still many people who want to move abroad and settle here in Scotland.

"It is important for Poles living in the north east to express their opinion about the potential for direct flights to Poland, and to make it clear that there is a high demand for such a service.

"I believe that direct flight will be popular not only for people who live here in the north east of Scotland but also for their friends and family members back in Poland who would like to visit Scotland for their holidays."

Mr Glowacki said that an increase in flights from BAA Edinburgh and Glasgow to Poland showed such a direct service would also appeal in Aberdeen.

He added: "The increase in cheap flights to Poland proves that cities like Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw are very popular destinations for short weekend trips for Scots as well."