Exeter Airport has seen summer passenger numbers soar by a record 28% driven by new routes, rising demand and its reputation for exceptional customer service.
A total of 450,112 passengers travelled through the airport from 1st April to the end of October, an increase of almost 100,000 and marking one of the highest year-on-year growth rates in its recent history.
The increase follows a landmark year that saw the launch of daily KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flights to Amsterdam in March – the first time the global carrier has operated from Exeter – as well as the decision by TUI to base a second aircraft at the airport over the summer, doubling its flying capacity with 50 flights per week to 13 destinations.
And the growth looks set to continue with Loganair having recently started a regular service from Exeter to Manchester, the first time the route has operated for more than five years.
Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “This has been a fantastic year for growth at Exeter Airport and a real vote of confidence. The arrival of KLM, offering worldwide connections via Amsterdam, together with TUI’s expanded summer programme, has transformed our route network and helped drive this strong recovery in passenger numbers.
“We’re proud that more people than ever are choosing to fly local, and that Exeter is playing a growing role in connecting the South West to the world. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our airport team and the support of our airline partners.”
In March, Exeter celebrated the start of KLM’s new daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol, opening up access to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
Over the summer, TUI’s decision to base a second Boeing 737-800 at Exeter delivered a significant boost to capacity and destination choice for holidaymakers across the region, with over 65,000 seats to Greece, 60,000 to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canaries.
The growth has also coincided with national recognition for Exeter’s outstanding customer service, after the airport was rated the UK’s best for customer experience in an independent national consumer survey.
Exeter Airport currently serves 27 destinations and employs around 230 people. It is part of leading UK regional airport operator Regional & City Airports.
