Direct flights from Stansted to the US capital will launch this summer.

Primera Air will run five flights per week to Washington Dulles airport from August 22.

The low cost airline, also launches direct flights to New York, Boston and Toronto later this year.

Due to popular demand, the carrier has decided to add extra flights to the Canadian city.

Ken O'Toole, CEO of Stansted Airport, said: "The announcement Washington Dulles Airport is to join Primera Air’s existing long-haul schedule, plus increased frequency to Toronto, is a real vote of confidence in Stansted and of the demand for long-haul flights to and from London and the East of England.

“We’ve already seen a very positive response from passengers to Primera’s previous announcement of new services to New York, Boston and Toronto, and the addition of Washington will provide even more choice and connectivity to the east coast of the USA.

“We have made clear our ambition is to provide more services to the USA, and add routes to China and India, so this is another step towards that goal.

"We look forward to the launch of these exciting new services in the coming months.”

Fares to Washington start from £199.