It was recently announced that Flybe, the largest regional airline in Europe, will base two aircrafts at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with services starting by the end of March 2016.
The announcement, the biggest of its kind since the airline opened its doors back in 2005, will see passenger numbers increase with an additional half a million seats on offer. Flybe said that the new routes would focus on key cities and regional centres across mainland Europe.
Doncaster Sheffield airport has said that it is the fastest growing airport in the UK outside London and it will now benefit from Flybe offering up to 44 new flight departures per week, a 70% increase in departures.
This news comes just months after the airport became significantly more accessible for passengers living within the Sheffield City Region, as journey times have been reduced by 20 minutes following the opening of a new link road.
The managing director of the airport said:
“This announcement is transformational for Sheffield City Region’s airport. We are truly delighted to be welcoming Flybe in this new long-term deal. A total of eight routes will be announced on November 10 serving a mixture of business and leisure destinations to mainland Europe and beyond. The additional seats and other forecasted growth are expected to take passenger figures from 900,000 in 2015/16 to over 1.35m in 2016/17, an increase of around 50 per cent year on year.”
Whilst Flybe stated:
We are delighted to have reached this agreement to begin enhancing connectivity for the people of Yorkshire from Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We look forward to welcoming all our new passengers on board next year with great value fares and a convenient, fast, reliable service to some very popular destinations as well providing them with opportunities for onward connections.”
