Three-times weekly flights to the capital will get under way on 24 September, the airline has confirmed.

The route, the UK’s only direct flight to Bosnia and Herzegovina, is being marketed as a tourist route, offering holidaymakers the opportunity to explore a new city break destination, the Balkan countryside, the nearby historic city of Mostar and iconic Stari Most bridge.

However, FlyBosnia says connections to the Middle East via Sarajevo will allow the carrier to position the route as a business link too.

The route will be operated by 150-seat Airbus A319 aircraft, flying Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

It is the first direct route to Bosnia from the UK since British Airways cancelled its London-Sarajevo route 12 years ago.

FlyBosnia says it has plans to increase the route to a daily or seven-times weekly service over the next 12 months.

Mayor of Sarajevo Abdulah Skaka said: “It is extremely important for Sarajevo to build relationships and connections with true metropolises. I expect that this move will have direct positive economic consequences for Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Matthew Field, British ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, added he had held positive talks with FlyBosnia chief executive Tarik Bilalbegovic over restoring flights to the UK, adding the move would be good for tourism, business and strengthening ties between the two countries.