There was also a big press launch today at GRQ for the increased SEN service from April next year. A roughly translated press release reads:
From April 2018 the connection between Groningen and London will be greatly expanded. Flybe, run by Stobart Air, is flying three times a day from Groningen Airport Eelde to London Southend Airport. The unit starts and ends the flights at Groningen Airport Eelde every day. A fantastic development for the airport and for the Netherlands.
Marco van de Kreeke (Director of Groningen Airport Eelde): "With this expansion we offer an excellent product for travellers from Northern Netherlands. For them it is now possible to have breakfast at home, to switch to a meeting at noon and to be home again in the evening. Traveling to London? There is now no further argument to fly from another airport. "The traveller can park directly for the terminal, check in advance immediately and need only 40 minutes before departure. Choosing for Groningen Airport Eelde means choosing time and comfort.
Ciaran Smith (Network Development Manager Stobart Air): "The route between Groningen and London has been a popular connection for business and leisure travellers since the beginning of 2014. We see a great demand for service and want to meet this demand with this expansion of air frequency. Now we can offer our passengers more choice and build our good relationship with Groningen Airport Eelde. "
Transfers to Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow
From April 2018 it is also possible to fly through London Southend Airport with a seamless connection to destinations such as Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow. The transfer times are between 45 and 90 minutes.
Incoming travelers
The expansion is also interesting for the tourist ambitions of Northern Netherlands. Michel Aldering (Marketing Groningen) is pleased with this development: "Due to the direct connection from Groningen Airport Eelde Eelde, the region of London has been one of our focus areas for many years. The expansion of flights will increase accessibility and increase in visiting (business) tourists in Groningen. Which of course is good for the region's economy! "