The announcement comes after a charter line to the Greek island of Kos from the Maribor international airport was announced in February by tourism company Intelekta.

Kompas and Palma expect around 4,000 passengers on the two new lines this summer on Adria's 180-seater Airbus 320.

A total of 11 return flights to Zakynthos and Antalya are planned, while three flights are also to be made in May to the north of Cyprus.

Among the advantages of the Maribor airport, which recently got a new passenger terminal, the tourism companies stressed today the possibility of free parking and good road connections after Slovenia's motorway network has been finalised.

According to calculations of airport operator Aerodrom Maribor, a summer charter line increases the company's profit by 10%.

Aerodrom Maribor, which is looking to set up regular routes, has also received interest in charter lines from German airline Express Airways, which is among potential buyers for the airport operator, according to unofficial information.