The German-owned Express Airways, which is based in Maribor, will fly the route with a Boeing 737 on Thursdays and Sundays for 32 weeks starting on 24 March.

Brolih said Düsseldorf was selected as the new destination in agreement with the tourism sector and the local community. The connection will benefit the local businesses which have strong ties with the German of North Rhine-Westphalia.

This is the only regular route for Maribor airport for the time being but talks are under way with Express Airways, which operates charter flights and has a flying school in Maribor, for more routes, according to Brolih.

The fate of the London route, which was launched last year and discontinued in September, is still being negotiated, he said. A lot depends on the planned capital increase in national flag carrier Adria Airways, which operated the flights.