The UK Government has been urged to deliver the funding required to create a new Dundee to Amsterdam route and secure the airport’s future.
It is being heavily lobbied to step in an help establish a permanent flight route by MEP Ian Hudghton and Dundee West’s new MP Chris Law.
The SNP duo have written to the UK Transport Secretary calling upon him to look favourably upon an application to the Air Connectivity Fund.
Dundee Airport has not had its troubles to seek in recent months, with flagging passenger numbers, strike action and a slow uptake for its London Stanstead service.
Mr Law said: “Dundee Airport is a massive asset to our city and has served us well but we need to continue to attract investment and promote an expansion of flight routes to ensure it competes with other airports in Scotland.
“Opening up a link with Amsterdam Schiphol would clearly bring additional benefits to the city in terms of business opportunities.
“Over and above that, it would also provide local holiday makers with more options in terms of booking international travel.
“We therefore very much hope the UK Government will listen to Dundee’s calls and support investment in this new route.”
Mr Hudghton added: “The establishment of a Dundee Amsterdam route would surely attract further investment into the local economy and could also serve as a way of easing congestion in other UK airports.”
FlyBe has applied to the Department of Transport for funding with the aim of launching the new route from April next year.
It has been shortlisted along with 18 other bids for funding from the Regional Air Connectivity Fund, with the successful routes set to be revealed in July.
The link to Amsterdam could be a huge coup for Dundee Airport as the Dutch hub has become one of Europe’s most important, offering connections to a vast network of worldwide destinations.