Leeds Bradford International Airport is hoping a new package of trips to cultural hot-spots will send passenger numbers soaring in 2002.

Day Break and short trip specialist Transun has just announced a range of new flights from the Yeadon airport to some of the continent's most treasured cities.

Bradford holidaymakers will now be able to fly direct to the likes of Rome, Sicily, Nice and Pisa, as well as more northerly destinations including Copenhagen and Stockholm.

The new programme is set to begin on Wednesday, February 13, with a service to Venice.

Leeds Bradford, which, like most airports, suffered a significant fall in passenger numbers after the September 11 terrorist attacks last year, was quick to welcome the news.

Head of marketing and development, Kate O'Hara, said: "Day trips have been an important product which we have offered for many years, and having this new range is brilliant - just what we need, particularly in the current economic climate.

"We are delighted that Transun is providing interesting new destinations for passengers travelling from Leeds Bradford.

"The first flight dates are booked and will be renewed regularly throughout the year, with new destinations being added."

Now the country's largest day break operator, Transun will also offer extra excursions such as bus tours or museum visits, on each of its new Leeds Bradford services.

A spokesman said: "Our new trips from Leeds Bradford offer people across the north of England the chance to pop across to some really choice destinations for a few hours sightseeing in warm spring sunshine, or to stroll around the shops.

"The flights demonstrate our commitment to supporting the airport, which is a major part of our holiday schedule now and in the future."