FREEDOM Travel has announced it will be operating direct flights from the Isle of Man to Ibiza next year as well as extra flights to Menorca and Majorca.

Chairman and chief executive Jan Wozniak said: "We have decided to go with the winning formula that made the 2010 Freedom Holidays programme such a success.

"We will be offering the perfect departure time and day with flights taking off from Ronaldsway every Saturday at 11am. 

"This means that just over three hours from taking off from the Isle of Man, everyone will be able to relax and begin their holiday on a Spanish Island by Saturday afternoon."

Flights will return to the Isle of Man on Saturday evenings, arriving at 7:30pm.

Jan added: "The feedback we have had from customers this year is that it is ideal to have a weekend-to-weekend departure programme and to also give people Sunday at home before returning to work on Monday.

"We also had an incredibly positive response to the direct flights, as people flying via UK airports are inevitably concerned about delayed flights resulting in missed connections."

Flights to Ibiza will be operating between September 3 and 17.

Menorca flights have been extended early in the season and will be operating between May 28 and June 13.

This will coincide with the TT fortnight.

Majorca will be offered with one and two week holidays from July 9 to September 3 giving families a choice of departure dates throughout the school holiday period. 

Jan added: "All our inclusive holidays provide direct flights which mean that the costly access by air to a UK airport is immediately removed.

"We also include transfers, accommodation, a choice of catering and local representatives available at all times."

Isle of Man Airport director Ann Reynolds welcomed the news.

She said: "I am delighted that the 2010 series was such a success for Freedom and that they have chosen to increase not only the number of flights, but the choice of destinations available directly from the Isle of Man.

"The success of these direct flight programmes are key to the future of charter operations from the airport, as they not only provide the hassle free travel that everyone desires, but also provide very useful utilisation for the Isle of Man based Flybe aircraft fleet throughout the summer.

"We wish Freedom every success for the 2011 programme."

For further details ring 696501 or visit www.freedomtravel-iom.com