AIR passengers in the Highlands can now fly direct to two of the world's busiest hub airports after KLM launched daily flights between Inverness and Schiphol in Amsterdam.
The new route comes just two weeks after British Airways resumed a daily service between Inverness and London Heathrow for the the first since 1997.
Direct links to Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest hubs, mean business travellers and holidaymakers from the Highlands can reach more than 150 destinations worldwide including Hong Kong, Buenos Aires and Cape Town via one stopover in Amsterdam.
Flights will depart from Inverness to Schiphol every day at 11am, with an inbound flight landing at 10.25am.
The inaugural flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute as it landed at Inverness Airport this morning.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive at VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome this daily service, which will fly directly into the heart of the Highlands from one of the world's major aviation hubs.
"Europe is our biggest international market with many visitors coming back, time and again, to explore our wonderful country.
"This new KLM service to Inverness offers further opportunities for repeat and first-time visitors to fly into the north of Scotland, where they can enjoy an adventurous drive along the North Coast 500, sample our national tipple on a whisky trail or take a stroll through the stunning landscapes."
All flights will be operated by KLM Cityhopper, which carries up to 88 passengers.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, the public body which owns 11 regional airports including Inverness, said: “This is not just another new route for Inverness Airport.
"Instead KLM’s daily flight connecting Inverness and Amsterdam represents a huge regional opportunity for improved levels of economic activity.
"Never before has the region enjoyed such rich opportunity to trade more, export further and engage with new customers throughout the globe.
"It is now up to Team Highland to reach out through Schiphol to convert new connections into deserved business success.”
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