Exeter Airport route sees strong demand as Amsterdam link marks first year

Travellers from across the South West are ‘making the most’ of the Exeter to Amsterdam air route, as its carrier reflects one year on from when it was launched.

The service, which is operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, began flights from Exeter Airport in March of 2025.

READ NEXT: Devon farms face brink as MP issues urgent warning over tax change

Figures released to mark the anniversary show the most popular end destination for passengers using the route is the Netherlands. 

The link with Amsterdam has also opened up onward travel to destinations across the world.

Booking data indicates strong demand for European trips to Germany, Norway and Sweden. 

Longer-haul destinations accessed via Amsterdam include Hong Kong, the United States, Peru and South Africa.

The route has also helped to bring further international visitors and tourism into the South West. 

Passengers arriving into Exeter have travelled from cities across Europe, as well as from countries including Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Jerome Salemi, General Manager for Air France-KLM in the UK and Ireland, said the service had been well received.

“It is fantastic to see how travellers have embraced our KLM service between Exeter and Amsterdam over the past year, with an average seat occupancy of around 80 per cent in 2025,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to connect the South West to the world for the years to come.”

Airport officials say the route has improved global connectivity for the region.

Steve Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “Over the past year, we’ve been delighted to see how strongly passengers have taken to KLM’s Exeter-Amsterdam service.

“The route has provided vital access to KLM’s global network via Amsterdam, making it easier for people and businesses in our region to connect with destinations around the world, and it has attracted international visitors to the region.

“It’s been a hugely positive addition to our route network and we look forward to building on its success.”

The Exeter-Amsterdam service is part of KLM’s wider network, which connects more than 160 destinations worldwide.