On May 27 2009, Greek airline Hellenic Imperial Airways launched flights from Athens to Birmingham, Casablanca and Jeddah.

Its first UK service, the four flights a week from Birmingham operate on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the Sunday and Wednesday flights continuing on to Jeddah after the plane is refuelled at Athens.

Hellenic is hoping that there will be a strong demand for the new service from the Muslim community in the Birmingham region for their pilgrimages to Mecca.

Airline website at: www.hellenicairways.com

Airport Parking : www.birmingham-airport-parking-discounts.co.uk