Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Pause Icon A two-lined pause icon for stopping interactions. Quote Mark A opening quote mark. Quote Mark A closing quote mark. Arrow An icon of an arrow. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Menu An icon of 3 horizontal lines. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Twitter An icon of the Twitter logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Information An icon of an information logo. Plus A mathematical 'plus' symbol. Duration An icon indicating Time. Success Tick An icon of a green tick. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Facebook Messenger An icon of the facebook messenger app logo. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Facebook Messenger An icon of the Twitter app logo. LinkedIn An icon of the LinkedIn logo. WhatsApp Messenger An icon of the Whatsapp messenger app logo. Email An icon of an mail envelope. Copy link A decentered black square over a white square.

First plane from Amsterdam touches down in Dundee

The new flight opens up access to Amsterdam as well as hundreds of connecting flights to more far-flung destinations.
The new flight opens up access to Amsterdam as well as hundreds of connecting flights to more far-flung destinations.

The historic first flight from Amsterdam has touched down in Dundee, signalling the start of a major new international air link between the two cities.

Campaigners have fought for years to make the link to Schiphol, one of the world’s leading flight hubs, a reality.

It has been hailed as a breakthrough for Dundee airport, providing passengers with access to a staggering new range of destinations.

With strong initial ticket sales, there are hopes that the route – the city’s first international link – could secure its future and see passenger numbers take off.

Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop said he was “really pleased” the UK Government had been able to invest in the new Dundee to Amsterdam route.

He said: “On top of daily flights to London, these new flights to Schiphol mean that Dundee now has great links to the whole of the UK, Europe and beyond.

“The city and the wider Tayside area are on the up, with exciting new developments poised to bring jobs, prosperity and opportunities to the area.

“Good air connectivity is a key part of supporting that economic development.”

The first flight was due to touch down in Dundee at 11.55am but was delayed and eventually touched down at around 1.15pm.

Crew manager Scott Raynor walks past an Oor Wullie guard of honour awaiting the first flight from Amsterdam.
Crew manager Scott Raynor walks past an Oor Wullie guard of honour awaiting the first flight from Amsterdam.

The first passengers to embark were greeted with fanfare, pipers and an array of dignitaries.

The route has been made possible thanks to a successful bid by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd – operators of Dundee – and partners Flybe to the £7 million Regional Air Connectivity fund.

UK Government officials announced earlier this year, to much rejoicing, that Dundee would be among the beneficiaries.

Flybe will run the service six times a week, with some one-way tickets currently priced from ÂŁ24.99.

Services will leave Amsterdam at 10.50am Dutch time, arriving in Dundee at 11.55am, Monday to Friday.

The return flights will leave for Schiphol Airport at 12.25pm, arriving at 3.25pm on the continent.

There will also be Sunday flights, leaving Amsterdam at 10.30am and arriving in Dundee at 11.35am, and then departing Dundee at 12.15pm for a 3.15pm arrival in Schiphol.

Amsterdam.
Amsterdam.

The UK Government’s financial support for the new service recognises the importance of Dundee airport to the region’s economy.

Amsterdam is a key European hub airport, and the flights to Schiphol will give Dundee global air links for the first time.

UK Government Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Improved links with Europe are absolutely vital for securing prosperity for people across the UK.

“This new route between Dundee and Amsterdam will boost connectivity and drive up investment.

“Regional airports like Dundee are vital engines for local economies, creating jobs and opportunities for the area.”

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) said bookings were “encouraging” and stressed the importance of “harnessing” that enthusiasm to ensure the region’s long-term success.

Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s chief revenue officer added: “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support with which this new route has been received and look forward to it going from strength to strength.”

Though only just under way, the route has already resulted in changes to the airport, with councillors agreeing to an extended alcohol licence.

Fresh-Jet, which runs the catering operation at Dundee Airport, has been given permission to start serving drinks to passengers from 9am.