THE Isle of Man will get a direct daily air link with Oxford in May.

Manx2.com has announced that it is launching the new route, between Ronaldsway and London Oxford Airport, on May 8.

A Jetstream 31 aircraft will operate the route which will depart the Isle of Man at 10.55am and arrive in Oxford at 11.55am.

The return flight will depart Oxford at 3.15pm arriving in the Island at 4.25pm.

Dave Buck, managing director of Manx2.com, said: "Since we launched Manx2 six years ago the feedback we get repeatedly from customers is that they love to use the smaller, easy-to-use regional airports.

"We are thus tremendously excited to be launching this new air route from the Isle of Man to London Oxford. 

"Many people are getting frustrated by the queues, hassle and delays at the big hub airports. Our business is all about convenience - getting passengers where they want to be with the minimum of fuss.

"Given the loss of the Island's Heathrow link, and recent cuts in services to Luton and Birmingham, London Oxford will be a very attractive addition to the Island's route network."

Oxford is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and is home to a wealth of architectural, historical and cultural attractions including the oldest university in the English speaking world.

Passengers who use the new service will find themselves less than one hours drive from London's West End and close to the Cotswolds, Silverstone, Stratford-upon-Avon and Henley on Thames.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK welcomed the news. He said: "It's very pleasing to see Manx2.com's continued growth both on and off Island. 

"Adding London Oxford Airport to its route network will allow Isle of Man companies better access to the region, will facilitate invaluable inbound opportunities for tourism and for companies who recognise the benefits of doing business in the Isle of Man."

The Oxford service will connect to Manx2.com’s Jersey service which means there will now be a daily flight between the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Ticket prices for the new route will start at £49.95 single. For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.manx2.com.

This is the second new flight route announced recently. Last week Logan Air announced it would offer a direct flight from the Isle of Man to Norwich. For more on this click here.

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