An air link connecting Liverpool with onward services from Amsterdam Schiphol airport is being re-established after a three-year gap.
Flybe is to introduce up to three flights a day from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the Dutch hub from September 7. One way start at £34.99.
The route was last served by KLM which pulled out in 2012 as part of a retrenchment of its network.
The Flybe flights are being timed to coincide with onward long haul connections via Amsterdam to destinations such as New York, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai and Toronto.
This new route will add to the regional carrier’s existing Liverpool services to the Isle of Man and Belfast City, with the airline operating a total of up to 120 weekly flights to and from Liverpool.
Re-establishing a link to a ‘hub feed’ has been the airport’s number one priority for some time. It is the most frequently requested route by people from across the region.
Airport chief executive Andrew Cornish said: “The importance of this route should not be underestimated and this is a big commitment by Flybe. Their decision to launch this route to Amsterdam will open up the opportunity for global access to and from the Liverpool city region.
“As well as giving business and leisure passengers the convenience of being able to their start long haul journeys from their home airport, it will also bring a further boost for the region’s tourism offer and inward investment opportunities.”
Flybe chief commercial officer Paul Simmons said: “Flybe is delighted to play a part in making it possible for Liverpool customers to access the world through Amsterdam and, just as importantly, make it easier for the rest of the world to come to Liverpool.
“The airline already has a number of codeshare and interline arrangements with long haul carriers that in the future has the potential to benefit passengers even further.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Our ambition is to make Liverpool a national and international destination for visitors and investors alike.
“The route to future markets depends on our connectivity, so re-establishing the connection to Amsterdam opens up a vital gateway to our future prosperity.”