The airline claims the four flights a week from Luton to Larnaca will be the first low-cost scheduled flights to Cyprus from the UK.

Flights will start on March 26 with one-way fares starting at £69.99, including taxes and web booking discount.  Seats can be booked from next Wednesday on the carrier's website.

Flights will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday using Airbus A321 aircraft with 213 seats.

Monarch scheduled services managing director Tim Jeans said: "Cyprus Airways and British Airways have operated a high fares cartel to Cyprus for decades which we'll break with our widely available, flexible low fares. 

"Our new service will be warmly welcomed not just by the growing holiday and overseas property markets in Cyprus, but the 150,000 strong Greek-Cypriot community in London, who've been deprived of choice and low fares until now."

"Monarch's onboard service is also perfectly placed to provide an ideal level of service for the four and a half hour flight time, with extra legroom seating, free inflight entertainment - including full length feature films and the provision of hot and cold food all available."