The return of direct flights between West Yorkshire and London Heathrow after a three-year gap will boost the regional economy by £10 million a year, according to an inward investment agency.

British Airways will return to Leeds- Bradford International Airport after three decades when it launches four daily flights between LBIA and the capital on Sunday, filling a gap left when BMI axed Heathrow flights in 2009.

Experts at Leeds and Partners, previously known as Marketing Leeds, say the service will boost the city region’s economy by opening up global connections for business travellers and boosting the region’s appeal to inward investors.

Flights will cost from £109 return, including taxes and fees, and are timed to provide convenient onward connections to destinations including Hong Kong, New York, Johannesburg, Singapore and Sydney.

Leeds and Partners chief executive Lurene Joseph said: “The Leeds city region economy needs to connect to a global hub airport, and these flights offer huge benefits.

“An airline with BA’s global reputation reinforces that we are city moving forward with confidence towards a landmark year, and greatly benefits businesses pushing for investment and international trade.”

James Keegan, British Airways commercial services manager for the UK regions, said: “The well-timed four flights a day will offer our customers the chance to complete a full day’s business in the capital without the expense or inconvenience of an overnight stay.

“We are also bringing the world to Yorkshire, opening up a gateway by offering excellent connections to British Airways’ extensive worldwide network from our main hub at Heathrow. And that works both ways, as this is an excellent chance to provide inbound investment opportunities and business links.”

Leeds-Bradford International Airport’s chief executive John Parkin said: “This new service to London Heathrow connects Yorkshire with the world.

“It provides our businesses with the access they need to emerging and established global markets, and enables those markets to easily come to Yorkshire, bringing their investment and inbound tourism direct into our region.

“This is a significant milestone for Leeds-Bradford Airport and I urge businesses to take advantage of British Airways’ global network to stimulate further economic growth for the Leeds City Region”.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce policy executive Mike Cartwright said: “This is an absolutely welcome development and one that we've been calling for since the demise of the previous service. It is necessary to help boost the Bradford and regional economies by opening up a new link to the capital and international markets.”