New Exeter Airport route attracts travellers from as far as Australia

With just under two months to go until the launch of KLM’s new daily service from Exeter Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol on 30th March, forward bookings are looking strong. The eagerly anticipated route is set to enhance connectivity for the South West, opening up Amsterdam and beyond to local travellers while also attracting international visitors to Devon.

The service marks the first time in nearly five years that Exeter has had a direct connection to Amsterdam - and a first for KLM from the airport. Not only does the new route provide a convenient gateway for those flying from Exeter, but it also brings increased tourism and business traffic to the region.

Data from KLM has revealed the top 10 source markets for inbound passengers.

Unsurprisingly, the Netherlands leads the way, followed by Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Finland, and France. The figures highlight the global appeal of the South West, with travellers from as far afield as Australia booking flights to Exeter.

For those flying out of Exeter, Amsterdam is, of course, the most popular destination. However, many are taking advantage of Schiphol’s extensive connections to explore further afield.

The top onward destinations include Germany, Croatia, Norway, the USA (New York), Italy, France, Sweden, Hungary, Denmark, and Poland. Hong Kong also features among the most booked, benefiting from short connection times on outbound journeys and an overnight stay on the return.

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, welcomed the response to the new service: “We are delighted with the response to KLM’s new service, which will provide greater choice and connectivity for travellers to and from the South West. The demand we are seeing for both inbound and outbound travel is testament to the vital role that regional airports play in boosting connectivity for leisure and business, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board from 30th March.”

Flights will be operated by KLM Cityhopper, using an 88-seat Embraer 175 regional jet aircraft. Passengers will have the option to choose between Economy and Business class, while those connecting to long-haul flights can also opt for KLM’s Premium Comfort (Premium Economy) experience.

Flight time from Exeter to Amsterdam will be approximately 90 minutes, with daily departures at 17:20 local time. Return flights from Amsterdam to Exeter will leave at 16:15 local time.

Jerome Salemi, General Manager for UK & Ireland at Air France-KLM, said: “The early booking trends are extremely promising, and we are delighted to see such a strong response from both local travellers and international visitors. Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the world’s leading hubs, and this new route reinforces our commitment to providing global connectivity from the UK regions.”

With bookings now open at klm.co.uk, local travellers have a new gateway to Europe and the world - right from Exeter.