SUN and fun seekers will be able to fly direct from Hampshire to the party isle of Ibiza from 2017.

Holiday firms Thomson and First Choice have announced they are to launch a service from Southampton to the Spanish island between May and September next summer.

The firms will also be offering two new flights out of Southampton to Palma, Majorca, from 2017.

Both will only be available as part of a Thomson First Choice package holiday.

Ibiza has become famous for its nightlife and the electronic dance music that originated on the island although its government and the Spanish Tourist Office have been working to promote more family-orientated tourism in recent years.

It’s a favourite holiday haunt of Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha.

The new routes are part of a move by the holiday companies to ensure more UK holidaymakers can fly from their local airport.

Karen Switzer, director of Aviation Planning for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Adding more capacity from Southampton airport with the introduction of the new route to Ibiza demonstrates our commitment to the airport and the local area.

Managing director of Southampton Airport, Dave Lees, commented: ‘It’s fantastic to announce our first new route for summer 2017 as our priority is to offer passengers a variety of choice for their summer holidays.

“We hope to see even more people flying out of their local airport for their summer holidays next year.’