KLM adds Exeter as new destination among record number of UK airports

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KLM adds Exeter as new destination among record number of UK airports

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Dec 11, 2024

KLM is set to expand its operations in the United Kingdom by adding Exeter to its list of destinations, bringing the total number of UK airports it serves to 18. This marks a first for KLM and its regional partner, KLM Cityhopper, which have not previously served more than 17 UK airports.

Exeter will see flights resume to the Netherlands after a five-year hiatus since Flybe last operated there until March 2020. While Flybe and KLM had codeshared on certain routes, Exeter was not included in those agreements.

The new service from Amsterdam to Exeter will commence on March 30 with an Embraer E175 aircraft, offering 88 seats. Depending on demand, the frequency could increase to twice daily with potential upgrades to larger aircraft like the E190 or E195-E2.

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The schedule for this route includes KL1101 departing Amsterdam at 16:15 and arriving in Exeter at 16:50 local time. The return flight, KL1102, leaves Exeter at 17:20 and arrives back in Amsterdam at 19:50.

Over the past two decades, KLM has removed Liverpool and Manston from its network; however, it has never flown to more than 17 UK airports annually until now. The airline's focus remains on maximizing connectivity through its Schiphol hub rather than long-haul travel.

KLM anticipates operating between 58 and 72 daily flights from the UK during April to September 2025. Saturday is expected to be less busy due to reduced business travel demand. Regional jets are key to managing such extensive operations across all routes.

In recent history, KLM managed up to 77 daily flights from the UK. The most recent month exceeding 72 flights was October 2024 with a count of 73 daily services.