Two airlines have announced new services from Shannon Airport.

Air Canada is to run a direct service to Toronto operating from June to October next year.

The service will operate four days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Air Canada says the service opens up trade and tourism opportunities as Toronto Pearson International airport is an Air Canada hub with 190 onward destinations on five continents.

There are over 4.4 million Canadians of Irish descent, making the Irish among the largest ethnic groups in Canada. And there were over 200,000 Canadian visitors to Ireland in 2016.

Welcoming the announcement, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin Vickers, said: "It is wonderful to have more flights to strengthen the bonds between our two countries."

And Blaithin O’Donnell, Air Canada sales manager for Ireland, added: "We are delighted at Air Canada to be announcing our new service from Shannon to Toronto for summer 2018.

"Canada is an increasingly popular destination for Irish holidaymakers with its great city life, fabulous scenery and friendly locals and with the increasing number of Irish emigrants living in Canada, visiting for friends and family living in the Shannon region will be even easier".

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While Irish carrier Ryanair is to launch a new twice-weekly service to Spain from next year.

The flights to Barcelona-Reus will run from March 2018.

Ryanair says it will give passengers direct access into one of the leading holiday regions in Spain.

In addition to the Catalan capital, which is just 90 minutes away, Reus also serves Costa Dorada and its famed beach destinations such as Salou and Cambrils.

The region also boasts one of Europe's largest theme parks, PortAventura World, just 15 minutes from Reus Airport.

The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, departing Shannon at 10:50am - return flights will leave Barcelona-Reus at 2:50pm.

Andrew Murphy, managing director of Shannon Airport, said: "This new Ryanair service from Shannon to Barcelona-Reus is very welcome news for the airport.

"We know that this will also be welcome news for our passengers as Barcelona-Reus is not only a popular sun destination, but this new service opens up the European City break market for people in the region providing direct access to the beautiful city of Barcelona which is less than a 90 minute journey by train and bus from the town of Reus - only 10 minutes from Reus Airport."