A new direct service between Edinburgh and Munich is due to launch in the spring.

Airline Eurowings will run the flights five times a week from March 31 next year.

Edinburgh Airport said the new link was a welcome addition to its European city connections.

Chief executive Gordon Dewar said: "I am delighted that Edinburgh Airport has a direct new service into Bavaria.

"This offers even greater choice and is further confirmation of Edinburgh Airport's position as a leader for connectivity between Scotland and the continent for both business and leisure passengers.

"We are well on course to have handled in excess of 12 million passengers by the end of the year and we are continuing to grow, create jobs and make a positive contribution for Scotland's economy."

Edinburgh City Council economy convener Gavin Barrie said: "This is fantastic news for Edinburgh. As well as being a great boost to the city's economy, the new airline will further strengthen our existing links with Munich, the first international city to be twinned with Edinburgh in 1954.

"The airport plays an important part in increasing visitor numbers to Edinburgh and the new airline will benefit business links as well."

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: "VisitScotland plays a very important role in partnering airlines on innovative marketing programmes, helping to bring new and extended routes to Scotland's network.

"We are delighted that Eurowings has introduced this new service from Munich, which will allow us to welcome even more visitors from one of Scotland's biggest international markets."