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British Airways is to fly from four London airports for the first time.

The airline confirmed it will launch flights from London Stansted to the European sunshine resorts of Faro, Malaga, Palma and Ibiza from May 28.

Following the announcement, Stansted managing director Andrew Harrison called on the Government to support the airport's growth to make use of its spare runway capacity before expansion of Heathrow or Gatwick can be delivered.

The flights will be operated on Saturdays and Sundays by the carrier's subsidiary BA CityFlyer on Embraer 190 jets.

They are based at London City Airport (LCA) - which is popular with business travellers - and are not being used at weekends.

BA also operates London flights from Heathrow and Gatwick.

Mr Harrison said: "With the debate about a new runway rumbling on, Government must do everything it can to ensure that London Stansted is developed to its full potential over the next 10 years.

"This is all the more important as the airport is best placed to support the thriving eastern region as well as London, which is itself rapidly expanding eastwards."

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which acquired Stansted in 2013, wants rail links to the airport to be improved.

It has invested £80 million in overhauling the terminal building as the number of European destinations served has been expanded to over 170 - more than any other UK airport.

Fares for the new routes will start from £49 each way for a return trip with hand baggage only.

Luke Hayhoe, a general manager at BA, commented: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our London network and to give our customers even more choice of where to fly from this summer.

"Stansted is a growing airport and we will be offering a full scheduled service to some of the most popular European holiday destinations, complementing our existing services from other London airports."