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.
Our welcoming committee have arrived @ARCHIEtayside pic.twitter.com/I4QpaarqYI
— Dundee Airport (@DNDAirport) May 23, 2016
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.
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.
Not a great start. Looks like first Dundee-Amsterdam flight will be delayed by two hours…
— Kieran Andrews (@KieranAndrewsSP) May 23, 2016
Flybe will run the service six times a week, with some one-way tickets currently priced from £24.99.
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.
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.
