Flybe is to launch a new route between Liverpool John Lennon airport and Amsterdam Schiphol later this year.
Starting on September 7, the three-times daily service will depart early morning, midday and late afternoon – 0715, 1155 and 1610. The return journey will depart Amsterdam at 1020, 1500 and 1935.
The route was last served by KLM in 2011, but cancelled it blaming the “continued economic downturn for the routes demise”.
This new service will add to Flybe’s existing Liverpool departures to the Isle of Man and Belfast City, with the airline operating a total of up to 120 weekly flights to and from the city.
Liverpool airport said the “significant announcement” will be welcomed by the region’s business travellers.
It added that re-establishing a link to a ‘hub feed’ has been its "number one priority" for some time.
“It is the most frequently requested route by stakeholders from across the region, who recognise the strategic importance of this link that puts Liverpool on the global route network map and gives opportunities to connects it to the world once again,” the airport said.
Liverpool John Lennon airport CEO 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.”
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.”
Last week, Flybe announced it was cancelling its London City to Dublin route from May 31, citing weak passenger numbers.