Flights between Oxford and Edinburgh are poised to begin next spring, the government revealed today.

Linksair is to run the service from London Oxford Airport, near Kidlington, to Edinburgh Airport, with the Department for Transport providing start-up cash so it can become commercially viable.

It comes after Chancellor George Osborne announced in his Autumn Statement that 11 bidders in the UK would receive support, with Southampton also confirmed.

Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Oxford and Southampton airports are vital engines for the South of England’s economy, connecting the UK and creating opportunities.”