Flights from Exeter to Amsterdam to launch in 2025

Stephen Wiltshire of Exeter Airport (centre), and Steven van Wijk (left) and Jerome Salemi (right) of Air-France-KLM said it was an exciting development

A new route from Exeter airport is scheduled to launch next year.

The airport has announced daily flights to and from Amsterdam, starting in March 2025.

The route will be served by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - the first time the airline has flown from Exeter.

The airport said it was the first time in five years Exeter has served Amsterdam with bosses saying passengers will be able to travel to the international aviation hub of Schiphol airport in about 90 minutes.

'Touristic development'

Exeter Airport's managing director Stephen Wiltshire said the move was a "tremendous boost" for regional connectivity.

He said: "Flights will operate every day of the week, providing a fantastic gateway for both business and leisure travellers from their local airport."

From 30 March, flights will depart from Amsterdam to Exeter at 16:15 local time, and from Exeter to Amsterdam at 17:20 local time, seven days a week.

Jerome Salemi, general manager for UK & Ireland at Air-France-KLM, said: "We are very excited to launch Exeter as KLM's 18th departure point from the UK to Amsterdam and beyond.

"We hope our new services will contribute towards the economic, touristic and cultural development of the region and the local community."

Mr Salemi said he looked forward to "working with Exeter Airport on making this route a success".

Schiphol airport is a major international hub for flights around the world

Paul Coles, chief executive officer of the South West Business Council, said the new route was "really important" to the region.

He said: "It gives us opportunities for both inbound tourism, which is really critical for our bedrock industries in the south west, but also that outbound piece to the rest of the world.

"When I look at some of the economic activity that's going on in the south west, you know, we need these routes to bring inward investors in, so it's a really important route for us."