FLIGHTS to Bulgaria will be available from Southend Airport next year.

Balkan Holidays, the leading tour operator to Bulgaria, has announced it will be flying from Southend to Bourgas as part of its 2014 summer programme, offering departures on selected dates in May and September.

Alastair Welch, Southend Airport’s managing director, said: “Balkan Holidays fly state-of-the-art Airbus A320 aircraft, so passengers will arrive in Bourgas fresh and relaxed having enjoyed all the creature comforts these planes offer.”

Balkan Holidays is offering six destinations from the Bourgas area, including a coach tour for those who want to explore the country’s history and wine-producing regions.

Sunny Beach is a popular, purpose-built resort, while the towns of Nessebar and Sozopol attract those who like history, culture and architecture.

The resorts of Pomorie, Duni and Elenite will all suit families.

Southend Airport currently has flights to Amsterdam, Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Geneva, Ibiza, Jersey, Malaga, Mallorca and Venice with easyJet – while flights to Berlin, Krakow and Newquay started last month. There are daily returns available to Dublin and Thomson and First Choice Holidays also fly from Southend to Palma and Ibiza.