Loganair is to link Norwich and Exeter this summer as part of a return of UK routes lost with the collapse of Flybe last March.
Of 46 UK domestic routes operated by Flybe at the time of its demise, 42 will be flown this summer by the Scottish regional carrier and six other airlines.
The new service adds to the restoration of domestic connectivity from Exeter lost through the collapse of Flybe – between four routes now flown by Loganair, those flown by partner airline Blue Islands to Manchester and Jersey, and other airlines’ services to Belfast and Guernsey.
The connection between Norwich and Exeter starts on July 12 with four flights a week across the summer on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, moving to Monday and Friday flights from September.
Fares for the 70-minute flight by 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet startvat £49.99 one-way.
The service links existing Loganair destinations with Norwich already served from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Jersey, and Exeter from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
The airline also brought forward the resumption date of its Edinburgh-Norwich service, originally planned for September, to July 12.
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The need for domestic connectivity has been clearly recognised by the UK government with its stated intention to reform Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights. There is no doubt the high level of APD has historically rendered such links as Norwich to Exeter economically difficult to sustain.
“The fact that 42 of Flybe’s 46 lost domestic routes have now been restored also shows the resilience and the importance of supporting the UK’s domestic airlines and this ‘team effort’ across the industry is something of which we should we all be proud.”
Exeter airport operations director Stephen Wiltshire added: “It’s marvellous that Loganair is re-establishing the link between Exeter and Norwich, which is a key route for business, tourism and reconnecting family and friends kept apart by the pandemic.
“Importantly, this launch fills another gap left by the collapse of Flybe, with almost every domestic destination from Exeter now being restored by Loganair and other carriers over the coming months.”
Norwich airport managing director Richard Pace said: “We’re delighted Loganair is re-establishing the link between Norwich and Exeter. We also welcome Loganair’s decision to restart the route to Edinburgh in July.
“In launching these routes, Loganair is putting its trust in the UK government to deliver on its promise to reduce domestic Air Passenger Duty which is critical to the recovery and sustainability of domestic flying.”