Crete is to be served by scheduled flights from the UK for the first time next summer.
British Airways franchise carrier GB Airways is to fly to the Greek island twice a week with return fares starting at £129.
The Gatwick-Heraklion link is due to start next May with flights on Tuesdays and Fridays.
GB will offer a two-class service to distinguish itself from charter flights which currently provide the only non-stop air links between the UK and Crete.
The airline’s managing director John Patterson said: “At last British passengers wishing to travel to Crete can now opt for a direct scheduled service to the island.
“This new service will no doubt be very popular amongst our tour operator partners and can meet the needs of our customers who want a good value full frills scheduled service which you can’t get at the moment.”
Report by Phil Davies
