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 2025, 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.
During the later decades of the twentieth century, the airport grew steadily with 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
Exeter Airport flights reach across the British Isles and much of Europe, operated by TUI Airways, Ryanair, Loganair, Aurigny, Blue Islands, KLM Cityhopper and Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional).
UK and Channel Islands
Domestic connectivity improved again in 2025. Loganair now flies from Exeter to Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle, reconnecting the South West with the North and Scotland. Aurigny and Blue Islands run frequent services to Guernsey and Jersey, keeping reliable links to the Channel Islands.
Skybus, part of Isles of Scilly Travel, continues its much-loved seasonal route between Exeter and St Mary’s from March to October, the quickest way for travellers from Devon and Somerset to reach the islands, with an unforgettable flight over the coast and Cornish peninsula.
International connections
The standout performer remains KLM Cityhopper, operating daily flights from Exeter to Amsterdam Schiphol. This single route opens up more than 90 worldwide connections via Amsterdam, making it the easiest way for South West travellers to reach destinations across North America, Asia and Europe.
Loganair now links Exeter with Manchester, offering connections to international destinations as well as same-day onward flights to Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen, allowing travellers to head north without passing through Bristol or London.
Emerald Airlines, flying as Aer Lingus Regional, serves Dublin, where passengers can clear US immigration before continuing onwards, a real bonus for anyone bound for America.
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. Though discussions about restoration continue, for now, passengers must 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.
European and holiday Exeter Airport destinations
TUI Airways anchors the airport’s holiday offering, flying to top Exeter Airport destinations such as Alicante, Málaga, Palma, Ibiza, Faro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion) and Dalaman.
Ryanair has also expanded Exeter Airport destinations 2025 and 2026, with year-round flights to Alicante and Málaga, and seasonal services to Palma de Mallorca and Faro. Alicante has become one of the airport’s most popular year-round routes for winter sun seekers.
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 – Blue Islands
Guernsey – Aurigny / Blue Islands
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 42 aircraft on domestic links.
Aurigny and Blue Islands 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 usually see passengers airside within ten 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 close at hand.
Aside from car parks 2 and 4, there are few places to watch aircraft while waving people off or waiting for arrivals, though the terminal’s compact layout means it’s easy to stay close to the action.
Arrivals facilities are simple, with baggage reclaim only a few steps from the exit and an on-site car hire village hosting Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise. For car hire price comparisons, we use RentalCars.com
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 linked to the first and last flight 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 4A links the airport with Exeter city centre and St David’s Station.
- Route 43 connects Pinhoe Station and the airport.
- Route 58A runs between Exeter and Ottery St Mary, stopping at the terminal.
By rail:
The nearest station is Cranbrook, around 2½ miles away, with hourly trains to London Waterloo. Exeter St David’s offers mainline connections and is reached via the 4A bus or local taxis.
Taxis and transfers:
Apple Taxis Exeter operates 24 hours a day with an airport desk in Arrivals. Typical fares range from £28–£45 to Exeter city centre.
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 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.
The airport’s regional importance
Exeter Airport supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. Its routes bring tourists into Devon and Cornwall and help local exporters connect globally via Amsterdam and Dublin. For the South West, Exeter remains more than a transport hub — it’s a lifeline for business, leisure and international connectivity.
Our view
Exeter Airport may be modest in size, but it punches far above its weight. With friendly staff, short queues, and a growing list of Exeter Airport destinations, it continues to prove that regional airports can deliver a world-class experience.
As more Exeter Airport destinations 2026 are announced, and sustainability projects take flight, this gateway to the South West looks set for a bright and connected future.
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.
Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.
New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.
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