UK airport announces new route to pretty European city as airline expands

A UK airport has announced that it is getting flights to a beautiful European city often visisted by Brits.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is set to connect the West Country to Amsterdam and beyond as it launches its first ever flights from Exeter Airport to the international aviation hub of Schiphol.

People will be able to travel from end of March next year.

This is the first time Exeter Airport has served Amsterdam in almost five years.

The move is also the first time KLM has operated from the Devon airport as it “seeks to expand its UK regional footprint”.

Officials have emphasised that the move links Exeter Airport with KLM’s network of worldwide destinations via Amsterdam.

Flights from Exeter Airport to Amsterdam with KLM are on sale now.

The flight time is around 90 minutes with departures from Amsterdam to Exeter at 4.15pm local time, and from Exeter to Amsterdam at 5.20pm local time. These are seven days a week.

Services will be operated by KLM Cityhopper from March 30, 2025.

They will use an 88-seat Embraer 175 regional jet aircraft. Customer will have the option to choose between Economy and Business class, as well as Premium Comfort (Premium Economy) on long haul intercontinental flights.

Exeter Airport managing director Stephen Wiltshire said: “This is a tremendous boost for regional connectivity, and we are hugely excited by the opportunities KLM will create for passengers across the South West.

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

Jerome Salemi, general manager for UK and 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. We look forward to working with Exeter Airport on making this route a success.”

Paul Coles, chief executive of the South West Business Council, welcomed today’s announcement. He said: “This is fantastic news for Exeter Airport and the region. KLM is a word class global carrier and if there is one route the business community wanted to see from Exeter, Amsterdam is it. Well done to Stephen and the team at Exeter Airport, and we extend a warm Westcountry welcome to KLM.”