Exeter Airport sees major surge in passengers as new routes fuel record growth

Exeter Airport has recorded one of the strongest periods of growth in its recent history, with summer passenger numbers rising by 28 per cent following the launch of new international routes and a significant expansion of airline capacity.

Between 1 April and 31 October, 450,112 passengers travelled through the airport, almost 100,000 more than during the same period last year. 

Airport officials say the uplift marks one of the highest year-on-year passenger increases Exeter has seen in more than a decade.

The surge follows a transformative year for the airport. In March, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines began operating daily flights to Amsterdam Schiphol, the first time the global carrier has flown out of Exeter. 

The connection opens up access to more than 160 onward destinations worldwide and has been a major factor in the airport’s rising numbers.

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TUI also boosted capacity significantly over the summer by basing a second aircraft at Exeter, doubling its flying programme to 50 flights per week and offering 13 holiday destinations. 

The tour operator delivered more than 65,000 seats to Greece, 60,000 to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canary Islands as part of the expanded schedule.

Growth is set to continue into winter and 2025, with Loganair recently starting a new regular Manchester service - the first time the route has operated from Exeter in more than five years.

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, described the year as a “fantastic” milestone for the region’s aviation sector: “This has been a fantastic year for growth at Exeter Airport and a real vote of confidence,” he said. 

“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.”

The airport’s growth comes amid national recognition for its customer service. Exeter was recently rated the best airport in the UK for customer experience in an independent consumer survey, a factor management believes has contributed to rising demand.

Exeter Airport currently serves 27 destinations and employs around 230 staff. It forms part of Regional & City Airports, one of the UK’s leading regional airport operators.

As passenger numbers continue to climb, Exeter Airport says it remains focused on expanding connectivity while maintaining the customer service standards that have helped position it as one of the region’s fastest-growing travel hubs.