Hellenic Imperial Airways starts a new weekly service this weekend between Birmingham and Athens, with onward connections to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The Greek airline hopes to increase it to a twice weekly service in August, subject to demand.

It will operate a Boeing 747-200 aircraft with 450 seats.

Flights will arrive into Birmingham on Saturdays at 19:00 and depart back to Athens and Jeddah at 22:00.

On Mondays, the airline will arrive into Birmingham at 17:00, departing back to Athens and Jeddah at 22:00 the following day.

The airline’s chairman, Talal Abureyal, said: “Athens, which is our HQ, is not currently served from Birmingham so we expect that our flights will be welcomed by those travelling for business and leisure, in particular those visiting friends and relatives.”

Its commercial manager, Theo Silvestros, added: “As the principal gateway to Mecca, the Jeddah flights to be used by many Pilgrims wanting to access Islam’s holiest city, and with such competitive prices Midlands people will be able to start this important journey from their doorstep.”

Return flights start from £199, excluding taxes, to Athens and £399, excluding taxes, to Jeddah.