Exeter Airport is at the heart of air travel in Devon and the South West, serving half a million passengers each year and linking the region with the UK, Europe and beyond. Whether you are searching for the latest Exeter Airport destinations 2026, checking live Exeter Airport departures and arrivals, or simply planning your next holiday, this updated guide covers everything you need to know.
A brief history of Exeter Airport, UK
Exeter Airport first opened in 1937 at Clyst Honiton and soon became a key RAF fighter base during the Second World War. After peace returned, civil flights restarted in 1946, with Jersey Airlines and BIA among the early operators connecting Exeter to the Channel Islands.
In the later decades of the twentieth century, the airport expanded steadily through runway extensions and new terminals. Ownership passed to Regional & City Airports (Rigby Group) in 2007, and in 2025, a partnership with ICG European Infrastructure secured major investment for future expansion and sustainability projects.
Today, Exeter Airport continues to evolve, balancing modernisation with its friendly regional character. Alongside Bristol, Newquay & Bournemouth airports. It is now one of the most important gateways to Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall.
Exeter Airport Address & Key Details
Address: Exeter Airport, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2BD, United Kingdom
Website: exeter-airport.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1392 367 433
IATA: EXT | ICAO: EGTE
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Exeter Airport flights and where you can go
Flights from Exeter Airport serve the British Isles and much of Europe, operated by TUI Airways, Ryanair, Loganair, Aurigny, Isles of Scilly Skybus, KLM Cityhopper, and Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional).
UK and Channel Islands
Here’s a tidy, accurate and simple travel-guide style update based on current Exeter Airport services:
Domestic and regional connectivity from Exeter Airport has strengthened significantly. Loganair now flies direct from Exeter to Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Jersey, offering easy access to the North, Scotland and the Channel Islands. Aurigny operates regular services to Guernsey, keeping strong links with that island.
Emerald Airlines, operating as Aer Lingus Regional, connects Exeter with Belfast City, providing an additional practical UK departure point and a link into Aer Lingus’s wider network via Ireland.
Skybus, part of Isles of Scilly Travel, continues its seasonal service from Exeter to St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly from spring through autumn, providing one of the quickest and most scenic ways for travellers from Devon and Somerset to reach the islands.
International connections
The standout performer remains KLM Cityhopper, operating daily flights from Exeter to Amsterdam Schiphol. This route enables onward travel across North America, Asia, and Europe, making Amsterdam an easy international gateway for the South West.
Loganair links Exeter to Manchester and Edinburgh, and travellers can connect onward through these airports without needing to route via Bristol or London.
Emerald Airlines, flying as Aer Lingus Regional, serves Dublin, where passengers can clear US immigration before their onward flight. This makes it a useful choice for anyone travelling to the U.S.
TUI continues to operate a range of leisure flights from Exeter to Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations, including Spain, Greece and Turkey, giving holidaymakers a good choice without travelling to a larger airport.
Ryanair offers affordable links to parts of Spain and Portugal, with Alicante, Málaga, Palma and Faro providing straightforward options for beach breaks and sunny escapes.
Lost but missed links
The loss of direct flights to Paris and London City remains the most significant gap in Exeter Airport’s network. Both were casualties of Flybe’s collapse in 2020. Although discussions about restoration continue, passengers must, for now, connect via Amsterdam, Dublin, or Manchester to reach most international destinations.
The wider regional challenge
Like many regional airports, Exeter faces the challenge of balancing sustainable air travel with maintaining essential connectivity. As leisure demand outpaces business recovery, airlines have prioritised holiday routes to Spain, Portugal and Greece. Nonetheless, the airport continues to attract strong load factors on its core business and hub services.
Exeter Airport destinations 2025 and 2026 – summary
British Isles
Belfast City – Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional)
Dublin – Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional)
Edinburgh – Loganair
Manchester – Loganair
Newcastle – Loganair
Jersey – Loganair
Guernsey – Aurigny
Isles of Scilly (St Mary’s) – Skybus (seasonal)
Continental Hub
Amsterdam – KLM Cityhopper
Ryanair
Alicante – year-round
Málaga – year-round
Faro – seasonal (Mar–Oct)
Palma de Mallorca – seasonal (Apr–Oct)
TUI Airways (selection)
Tenerife / Lanzarote – year-round
Gran Canaria – winter & shoulder
Ibiza / Menorca – summer
Palma / Dalaman / Antalya – summer
Paphos – extended summer
(Always check the official site for current routes and live Exeter Airport departures and seasonal variations.)
Aircraft types and what to expect
Although Exeter is a regional airport, the mix of aircraft is remarkably diverse.
KLM Cityhopper uses modern Embraer E175 and E190 jets with 2-2 seating, perfect for business or connecting flights.
Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional) operates ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, well-suited for shorter journeys to Dublin and Belfast.
Loganair uses Embraer 145 regional jets and ATR 72 aircraft on domestic links.
Aurigny also operate ATR turboprop aircraft on their Channel Islands services.
Ryanair and TUI Airways use Boeing 737-800s and newer 737 MAX 8s, offering familiar single-aisle comfort on holiday routes.
Skybus flies the smaller De Havilland Twin Otter, giving passengers a unique view of the South West coastline en route to the Isles of Scilly.
Executive and charter flights
Private and business flyers use the XLR Executive Jet Centre, which provides VIP lounges, meeting rooms, and bespoke ground handling.
The XLR Executive Jet Centre has helped establish Exeter as one of the South West’s leading airports for private aviation. It caters to corporate, charter and medical flights, with on-site customs and immigration clearance, aircraft parking and full concierge support. Regular users include business travellers heading for London or Europe, sports teams, and high-end leisure visitors bound for the West Country’s resorts and estates. Combined with the airport’s easy access to the M5 and A30, it offers a discreet and efficient gateway for those who prefer to fly privately.
Facilities and Exeter Airport shops
Exeter’s compact terminal is easy to navigate, with short security queues that typically have passengers airside within 10 minutes. Before security, there’s a small café and a WHSmith for drinks, snacks and travel essentials.
Once through to departures, travellers find the Fed & Watered Café-Bar, WHSmith and World Duty Free, along with a comfortable Executive Lounge offering drinks, light bites and charging points. Exeter Airport’s shopping and dining options are limited compared with larger hubs, but everything you need is within easy reach.
Aside from car parks 2 and 4, there are no dedicated spots for watching aircraft while seeing people off or waiting for arrivals.
Arrivals facilities are simple, with baggage reclaim only a few steps from the exit and an on-site car hire that includes hosting Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise.
The airport also offers an Accessibility Virtual Tour online, helping passengers visualise the layout before travelling.
Car Hire, Exeter Airport
Exeter Airport opening times
The airport operates seven days a week, with terminal opening hours aligned with the first and last flights of the day. In general, Exeter Airport opening times run from about 04:00 to 22:30, though this varies seasonally. Passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure. Check the Exeter Airport website for live updates.
Exeter Airport news and sustainability
In the latest Exeter Airport news, the airport has joined the CAA Hydrogen Challenge, trialling hydrogen-powered ground vehicles and electric equipment to reduce emissions. LED lighting and advanced recycling initiatives are now fully in place as part of its carbon-reduction roadmap.
Passenger feedback remains overwhelmingly positive: Exeter topped the 2025 Which? Survey of UK airports with an 80% satisfaction rating for staff friendliness and minimal queues.
Getting to Exeter Airport
By road: Exeter Airport lies just off the A30 near M5 Junction 29 (postcode EX5 2BD). Car parks P1–P4 offer short and long-stay options, with online booking discounts and a free 30-minute stay in P4 for drop-offs.
By bus:
- Stagecoach service 4A links Exeter Airport with Exeter St David’s Station and the city centre, providing a regular public transport option for passengers and staff.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Exeter Airport is Cranbrook, about two miles away. It has regular trains to Exeter and to London Waterloo, but there is no direct bus link from the airport to the station. If you are travelling between the two, the simplest option is usually a short taxi ride, as taking the bus would require a change in Exeter.
Pinhoe station is only a short distance away, roughly three to four miles from the airport. It has frequent local trains to Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central, where you can change for longer journeys. Again, there’s no direct airport bus to Pinhoe, so most people use a taxi or travel via the city if they are using public transport.
For long-distance travel, Exeter St David’s is the most practical station. The airport is linked to St David’s by the Stagecoach 4A bus, or by taxi, and from there you can connect with mainline services to destinations across the UK.
Taxis and transfers:
Apple Taxis Exeter operates around the clock and has an airport desk in the arrivals area of Exeter Airport, where you can book or pick up a taxi directly when you land. They provide both pre-booked and on-the-spot taxi services, with vehicles of different sizes available. Fares into Exeter city centre are typically £30–£45 for a standard cab, though the exact price can vary with traffic, time of day, and vehicle type.
Places to stay near Exeter Airport
For early departures or late arrivals, several hotels are within a short drive:
Fair Oak House (on-airport accommodation), Holiday Inn Express Exeter East, Courtyard by Marriott Sandy Park, Gipsy Hill Hotel, Travelodge Exeter M5, and Premier Inn Exeter M5 J29 are among the most convenient.
Exeter Airport departures and arrivals
Passengers can view live Exeter Airport departures and Exeter Airport arrivals on the official website or the airport’s app, which updates in real time. Early morning is the busiest period, typically between 05:00 and 09:00. Late evening arrivals mainly consist of returning holiday flights from Spain, Portugal and the Canaries.
Exeter Airport’s Regional Importance
Exeter Airport plays a useful role in the local economy. It supports jobs both at the airport and in surrounding businesses, brings visitors into Devon and Cornwall, and gives local companies an easy way to reach wider markets. Routes via Amsterdam and Dublin make international travel and exports relatively straightforward, without requiring travel to a larger airport.
It is a small airport, but it functions well. Queues tend to be shorter than at the big hubs, the terminal is easy to navigate, and the expanding list of routes indicates steady demand for a reliable regional airport in the South West.
Exeter Airport frequently asked questions
Where is Exeter Airport?
Exeter Airport is just east of Exeter near Clyst Honiton, close to the M5 and A30. The full address is Exeter Airport, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2BD, United Kingdom.
Which airlines fly from Exeter Airport?
Airlines using Exeter Airport currently include TUI Airways, Ryanair, Loganair, Aurigny, Isles of Scilly Skybus, KLM Cityhopper and Emerald Airlines operating as Aer Lingus Regional. Routes are a mix of UK, Channel Islands, European city and holiday destinations. Schedules and destinations change from season to season, so always check the airport or airline websites for the latest information.
What UK and Channel Islands destinations can I fly to from Exeter?
From Exeter you can usually fly to a selection of UK and Channel Islands destinations, which currently includes routes such as Belfast City, Dublin, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly (St Mary’s, seasonal). The exact mix varies through the year and may change as airlines adjust their programmes, so it is best to confirm current routes on the airport’s website before you book.
What international routes and connections does Exeter Airport offer?
KLM Cityhopper flies from Exeter to Amsterdam Schiphol, giving onward connections to destinations across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Emerald Airlines, flying as Aer Lingus Regional, links Exeter with Dublin and Belfast City, with Dublin in particular offering onward connections and the ability to pre-clear US immigration on some itineraries. TUI and Ryanair operate a mix of leisure routes to popular holiday destinations in Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Greece and Turkey, usually with more choice in the main summer season.
How early should I arrive at Exeter Airport before my flight?
As a guide, many travellers aim to arrive around two hours before a short-haul international flight and around 90 minutes before a domestic departure. Exeter is a compact airport, but you still need time for check-in, bag drop, security and walking to the gate. Some airlines specify their own minimum check-in times, so always follow the advice in your booking confirmation or on your airline’s website.
What are Exeter Airport’s opening times?
The terminal normally opens in time for the first departures of the day and closes after the last flight has finished. In practice this is often from around early morning to late evening, but exact times vary with the flight schedule and season. If you have an early or late flight, check your airline’s instructions and the airport website for any updated opening hours before you travel.
What parking and drop-off options are available at Exeter Airport?
Exeter Airport has several on-site car parks for short and long stay parking, all signposted from the approach roads and bookable online in advance. For quick drop-off and pick-up there is a dedicated drop-off area close to the terminal with a short paid stay, and Car Park P4 offers a free period for up to 30 minutes, which suits simple drop-off or waiting for an arriving passenger. Tariffs and arrangements can change, so always check the latest parking information and prices on the airport’s official website before you drive.
How do I get to Exeter Airport by public transport?
Stagecoach service 4A links Exeter Airport with Exeter St David’s railway station, the city centre and Honiton Road Park and Ride. The service runs daily, with more frequent buses on weekdays and a reduced timetable at weekends and on bank holidays. Timetables can change, so it is worth checking Stagecoach or Traveline for the latest times before you travel. There is currently no direct rail station at the airport itself.
Which railway stations are closest to Exeter Airport?
The nearest station to Exeter Airport is Cranbrook, around two miles away by road, on the line between Exeter and London Waterloo. Pinhoe station is also close, roughly three to four miles from the airport. Both have regular local trains into Exeter’s main stations. There is no direct bus from the airport to Cranbrook or Pinhoe at present, so most passengers use a taxi if they are travelling between the airport and these stations. For long-distance rail connections, Exeter St David’s is the main hub and can be reached from the airport by the Stagecoach 4A bus or by taxi.
Is there an airport lounge at Exeter and how do I book it?
Yes. Exeter Airport has an Executive Lounge located airside on the first floor above the main restaurant. It offers runway views, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and light snacks appropriate to the time of day. Space is limited, so advance booking via the airport website is recommended, although same-day bookings are sometimes available if there is capacity. The lounge usually opens ahead of the first departures and closes after the last flights of the day, and stays are normally limited to around three hours.
Does Exeter Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Exeter Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal for a limited period, typically up to 60 minutes per device. After this you may be able to buy extra time or a faster connection. The Executive Lounge also offers Wi-Fi for its guests. Network names and access details are shown on screens or posters in the terminal, and staff can help if you have trouble connecting.
What security and hand luggage rules apply at Exeter Airport?
Exeter Airport follows the UK’s standard aviation security rules. Liquids, gels and pastes in hand luggage should normally be in containers of 100 ml or less and must fit inside a single clear resealable bag of about one litre, which you present separately at security. You may be asked to remove laptops, tablets and larger electrical items from your bag, along with belts, coats and some footwear. Exact procedures can change as new equipment is installed, so always check the latest hand luggage and security guidance on the airport website and follow any instructions given by staff on the day.
Is special assistance available at Exeter Airport?
Yes. Exeter Airport offers special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities or other support needs. Help can include assistance from the car park or arrivals area to check-in, support through security and boarding, and help on arrival. You should request assistance through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before departure so the airport team can plan for your needs. On the day, there is a designated assistance point in the terminal where you can make yourself known to staff if you have booked help or need to ask about it.
Are there hotels near Exeter Airport?
There is on-airport accommodation at Fair Oak House, within walking distance of the terminal, and several chain hotels a short drive away near Junction 29 of the M5 and on the eastern side of Exeter. These include familiar brands such as Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn, Travelodge and other mid-range hotels, which are popular with early-morning and late-evening passengers. Some hotels offer parking and stay packages, and local taxis serve them regularly.
Where can I check live Exeter Airport departures and arrivals?
Live departure and arrival information for Exeter Airport is available on the official airport website, which lists real-time status updates, gate information and any reported delays. Many airlines also show live flight status in their apps or on their own websites. If you are meeting someone, it is worth checking their flight on the airport site shortly before you set off, as times can change at short notice.
Other Helpful Links
- Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
- Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
- Expedia – good for flights and packages.
- Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
- Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
- MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
- National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
- Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
- Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
- Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
- Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
- Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
- Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
- Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
- TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
- Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
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