The Tunisian carrier had planned to operate to Enfidha last summer, but the programme was pulled due to the Covid crisis.

Majority owned by TTS Group, which operates a DMC and several hotels in Tunisia, Nouvelair has been operating charter and scheduled flights to and from the UK since the late 1980s.

Its aim is to make up for capacity lost following the collapse of Thomas Cook and its airline in September 2019.

Nouvelair will initially operate two weekly services from Gatwick and two from Manchester, starting 3 July. The programme will run through to the end of October, with the potential to be extended.

It has also committed to running the programme on the same basis in 2022, starting in May. Flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft.

Karim Dahmani, Nouvelair sales and marketing director, said: "Tunisia has been a very popular destination for UK holidaymakers, and despite the terrible impact on all our lives caused by Covid, we want to make sure we can provide the opportunity for holidaymakers to return to Tunisia this summer."

Seats will be available direct from Nouvelair at three price tiers, ranging from a basic cabin baggage only option to a fully flexible fare including hold baggage and pre-allocated seating.

Nouvelair also hinted passengers would also be able to change their booking as a result of any changes to Covid restrictions that impact their travel plans, although the policy hasn’t been detailed in full.

The programme will provide seat capacity for tour operators and OTAs, but will also go on sale through agents, direct, and via GDS providers Sabre and Amadeus.

Carl Denton, who is looking after UK sales, added: "After Eight years of co-operation with charter flights from the UK, we are excited to be able to support Nouvelair in their next chapter, allowing the travel trade greater access to seat capacity to Tunisia."