Flybe says Exeter Airport will get an extra 200,000 passengers

It says that from next March it will be operating flights to six new destinations, creating 100 new jobs.

Business leaders say it is a huge boost for the region's economy.

Flybe, formerly British European, currently flies from Exeter to Belfast, Dublin, Jersey and Guernsey.

Flybe's six new flights Alicante Malaga Murcia Belfast City Edinburgh Glasgow

Now it is extending it services to include three new European destinations - Alicante, Murcia and Malaga - as well as new services to Belfast City Airport, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The airline, which already employs 700 people in Exeter, says the move underlines its commitment to the South West and its base at Exeter Airport.

Flybe Managing Director Jim French said: "The South West has changed enormously in the last 10 years.

"There's been a massive influx of people from the South East relocating with high disposable incomes who are used to flying on holiday.

"There's also been an influx of wealth into the region through job creation.

More airlines

"All of these factors say that the market is ready to have direct services from Exeter."

Flybe expects the airport will take an extra 200,000 passengers after all the flights are introduced.

However, the airport is also hoping it will attract not only more passengers, but also air carriers.

Exeter International Airport's managing director, Geoff Myers, said: "A number of other airlines who may have not taken us seriously will now look on the basis of the success I think Flybe will have and come in behind, saying: 'We'd like a piece of that'."