AN airline has launched a new route from Glasgow Airport to a popular holiday destination.

The first Tui Airways flights from Glasgow to Sal to Cape Verde, described as having a “famously sunny climate and kilometres of sandy beaches”, will start on November 3.

The airport said the Atlantic island is a “perfect hopping off point for exploring the rest of the archipelago”.

“Temperatures rarely drop below 24 degrees, even in mid-winter”, it said.

The launch of the new route follows a further commitment to Glasgow by the holiday provider.

Tui said earlier this year it plans to increase its number of aircraft based at the Scottish airport from four to six.

The airport is the company’s largest base in Scotland.

Tui managing director Andrew Flintham said: “Glasgow Airport will see a significant increase in flight seats offering more holidays to those living in the region.”

Glasgow Airport said that “in the mid-Atlantic, the exotic Cape Verde islands pack an incredible diversity of scenery and culture into a 10-island archipelago”.

It added: “Experience the ultimate island-hopping break on a holiday to Cape Verde from Glasgow Airport.

“The most extraordinary thing about the Cape Verde islands is their scenic diversity.

“Admire the lofty black volcano that dominates Fogo (Isle of Fire), experience an adrenaline-pumping road trip in Boa Vista’s desert interior, soak up the chic, Riviera-style atmosphere on Sao Vicente or enjoy a ramble in the hills of Santiago.”