Hovertravel services will run every thirty minutes from today (Saturday July 4).

Flights will be added to the weekday timetable, with departures every half an hour, from 6:15am, from both Southsea and Ryde.

At weekends, they will run from 8:15am (with the last flight from Ryde at 8:15pm and from Southsea at 8:30pm).

During lockdown, Hovertravel has been working with the NHS as part of its coronavirus response.

Read more: Hovertravel adds 24/7 Island Rescue to critical lifeline services

Loretta Lale, Head of Commercial at Hovertravel, said: "An important part of our risk-assessed approach is managing the capacity on our craft and we have been adding in ad hoc services to handle the slowly increasing demand as travel restrictions are relaxed. Following the lifting of lockdown next week, we expect to see more passengers and by strengthening our timetable, we can continue to give confidence to customers who wish to travel.

“Our priority has been, and always will be, the safety of our passengers and our people. By returning to a booked only service with a thirty minute frequency we are providing a measured and proportionate response to the anticipated increase in demand. Combining our established travel protocols and the customers’ positive compliance with face coverings, we are ready to play our role in the first steps to a responsible recovery for all Solent communities.”