ONE regional airport in the south of the UK has had a huge increase in passengers over the last year.
Thanks to an extra TUI aircraft and the introduction of KLM flights to Amsterdam, the summer of 2025 bought in thousands more flyers to Exeter Airport.
It said that over 450,000 customers passed through the terminal between April and October 2025 – which is an increase of 100,000 people.
It estimated the yearly figure would exceed 500,000 passengers for the first time since Flybe went into administration back in March 2020.
The ‘landmark year’ follows the launch of daily KLM flights to Amsterdam which started in March 2025.
Not only does this give customers a chance to explore the Dutch city, but also offers connecting flights to more than 160 places across the world.
This was followed by the decision for TUI to base a second aircraft at the airport over the summer which meant it had capacity for 50 flights per week to 13 destinations.
Exeter Airport said that TUI’s increased capacity meant that there were over 65,000 seats to Greece.
Another 60,000 seats to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canary Islands were also added.
There are plans to continue the growth of the regional airport too with TUI already announcing a new and direct route to Kos which will start in summer 2026.
There are flights only as well as packages so customers can book seven or 14-night holidays there.
Flights only will start from £377pp based on travelling in June 2026 with 15kg hold luggage.
Package deals start from £1013 per person for a seven-night trip to staying at the4T+ Holiday Village Atlantica Mikri Poli Kos on an all-inclusive basis in June 2026.
Stephen Wiltshire, the airport’s managing director said: “We’re delighted with TUI’s announcement of new flights to Kos from Exeter Airport for summer 2026, and it’s the first time this beautiful Greek island will be directly served from here.
“This exciting addition expands the choice of sunshine destinations available to our passengers and reflects the continuing strength of demand for holidays from Exeter.
“We look forward to working closely with TUI to make the route a great success.”
For more on TUI, here’s the latest update on relaunching flights from closed UK airport – three years after shutting.
Plus the popular holiday hotspot set to become a ‘super destination’ with more cheap flights and new TUI hotels.
Discover what on Sun Writer thought on her recent holiday to Kos…
The Sun’s Jane Atkinson went on a family trip to Kos earlier this year, she explored the island that’s just 26 miles long and discovered local tavernas serving Greek salad and tasty gyros.
Talking about her trip, she said: ” It only took us 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other and there is one main road too, so it wasn’t stressful. The first stop was the Melissa honey farm near the town of Kefalos in the west.
“We tasted all different types of the sticky, sweet stuff — including wild strawberry, pine and thyme — and left with plenty of jars, as well as a rich honey hand cream for me and baklava pastries packed with nuts.
“If you’re a nature fan then head to Plaka Forest, a natural park in the centre of the island which has trails for walkers. For a bit of culture, Antimachia Castle is bursting with history.”