Exeter Airport (EXT): The Ultimate Gateway to Southwest England
Exeter Airport (EXT/EGTE) stands as the essential regional airport for the Southwest of England, perfectly situated approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) east of Exeter city centre. Serving the counties of Devon, Cornwall, and the wider region, EXT is not just a major hub for holiday and leisure travel but a vital economic link. The airport is currently undergoing a significant period of growth, solidifying its position as a top choice for passengers seeking convenience and quality.
Recognised for its outstanding passenger experience, Exeter Airport was recently named the Best Airport in the UK for customer satisfaction by consumer champion Which?, underscoring its commitment to operational excellence and a stress-free travel environment.
Award-Winning Terminals and Superior Passenger Services
Exeter Airport operates a single, modern, and compact terminal, praised by passengers for its efficiency and ease of use. This focused design minimizes walking distances and waiting times, contributing to its status as the UK’s top-rated airport for customer satisfaction in the latest surveys (2025).
- Premium Customer Experience: The airport consistently receives high marks and five-star ratings for its minimal security and check-in queues, offering a remarkably relaxed and stress-free experience compared to larger hubs.
- Amenities & Facilities: Passengers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping at World Duty Free, and various food and beverage options, including a selection of airside bars and cafes.
- Executive Travel: A dedicated VIP lounge is available for passengers seeking a quieter, more comfortable environment before their flight.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with comprehensive disabled access facilities, baby care rooms, and enhanced services, reflecting its focus on accessible and inclusive air travel.
- Nearby Accommodation: For early departures or late arrivals, convenient hotel options are located nearby, such as the Hampton by Hilton Exeter Airport and Fair Oak House.
Airlines, Expanding Route Network, and Key 2025/2026 Updates
Exeter Airport has significantly boosted its route network, with major carriers investing heavily in new services and increased capacity for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, enhancing both international and domestic connectivity.
Key Airlines Operating from EXT: The primary operators include TUI, Loganair, KLM, alongside regional carriers such as Aer Lingus Regional, Aurigny, Blue Islands, Ryanair, and Skybus.
Major Network Expansion Highlights:
- TUI Capacity Doubled (Summer 2025): TUI cemented its commitment to the Southwest by basing a second Boeing 737-800 aircraft at EXT, effectively doubling its flying capacity. This expansion added approximately 80,000 new seats for the season.
- New Destinations & Increased Frequency (2025):
- Amsterdam (AMS): KLM Royal Dutch Airlines launched a new daily service in March 2025, re-establishing a crucial link to the international hub of Schiphol. This connection provides travellers with seamless onward access to over 160 worldwide destinations.
- Manchester (MAN): Loganair introduced a new service to Manchester in October 2025, transitioning to a daily flight from March 2026. This key domestic link restores a vital connection to the North West and offers codeshare connectivity to hundreds of global destinations via their partner networks.
- Ibiza (New TUI Route): A new weekly service was added to the popular Balearic island for the Summer 2025 season.
- Year-Round Service: Flights to popular Canary Islands destinations, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, have been converted from seasonal to year-round services, offering sun-seekers flexibility throughout the winter months.
- International Hub Access: Aer Lingus provides essential connections via Dublin to key North American cities, including Boston, New York, and Chicago, facilitating transatlantic travel for regional passengers.
Popular Destinations Summary: The airport serves a growing list of over 25 popular UK and overseas destinations, including leisure favourites such as Alicante, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca (Ryanair), and various Greek and Balearic islands.
Seamless Ground Transportation and Parking Solutions
Traveling to and from Exeter Airport is highly convenient, offering multiple efficient options for passengers:
- Bus Services: The Stagecoach 56 service provides a regular and affordable link to Exeter city centre and other local destinations. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Taxis: Exeter Airport Taxis are readily available directly outside the terminal, offering a fast 20-minute ride to the city centre.
- Car Rental: Major international car hire brands, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, operate on-site desks, making vehicle collection and drop-off straightforward.
- Parking: The airport offers a variety of parking options, including short-stay parking directly opposite the terminal for easy drop-offs and long-stay options. Significant discounts are available for advanced online reservations.
Commitment to Growth, Sustainability, and Investment
Exeter Airport is committed to long-term growth and leading the way in environmental stewardship within the aviation sector.
- Passenger Growth: Following an 8% increase in passenger numbers in 2024, which reached approximately 453,000, the significant route expansion in 2025 (KLM, Loganair, TUI) is projected to drive numbers towards the 500,000+ mark, accelerating the airport’s post-pandemic recovery and cementing its regional importance.
- Sustainability Pioneer: The airport is actively involved in groundbreaking sustainable aviation efforts. Notably, it hosted the UK’s first-ever hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround in 2025, demonstrating the successful use of green hydrogen technology to decarbonise airport ground operations.
- Ownership and Investment: The airport is operated by Regional & City Airports (RCA) and was recently acquired by the investment group ICG in 2025. This new ownership signals a strong commitment to infrastructure investment and continued route network expansion.
Essential Contact Information
For direct inquiries or further information regarding services, flights, and operations, please use the following details:
- Address: Exeter, Devon, EX5 2BD, UNITED KINGDOM
- Telephone: +44 1392 367433
- Website: www.exeter-airport.co.uk