A REGIONAL government in Spain has confirmed new plans to establish a new direct air connection to Scotland.

The Herald reports that the government of the principality of Asturias is currently examining the possibility of establishing new connections to more than a dozen European destinations from Asturias Airport.

A new connection to Edinburgh is listed as one of the destinations which is being “actively explored” by the region as well as connections to cities such as Marseille, Berlin, Manchester, Bologna, Oslo and Warsaw.

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Speaking at the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Lara Martinez, the deputy minister of tourism, revealed the region is seeking to achieve 40% international traffic and 2.5 million annual passengers at the airport by 2033.

Martinez said: “The principality is now and will be even better prepared to face the internationalisation of the tourism sector with the strengthening of the air connectivity.”

Asturias Airport is the only international airport of Asturias, a region in north west Spain for its rugged coast, mountains, religious sites and medieval architecture.

The region featured on CNN Travel’s list of the best places to visit in Europe in 2024.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport told The Herald: “We’re always interested in adding more connectivity at Edinburgh Airport and welcome any opportunity to speak to potential new partners.”