Dundee is one step closer to securing an air link with Amsterdam – after a bid to secure funding for the route was shortlisted by the UK Government.

The application will be considered through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

Councillor Ken Guild, leader of the local authority, said: “Air links play an important part in the city’s economy bringing leisure and business travellers to and from Dundee.

“Schipol is a major international hub and a direct route from Dundee would open up opportunities that could be used by the city to encourage more visitors who would help to boost the economy.

“The council is behind FlyBe’s bid and getting over this first hurdle towards securing the funding is a big step.”

The proposed new Dundee link was one of 19 routes to be assessed by UK Government Department for Transport for support through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

Derrick Lang, HIAL’s Dundee Airport manager, added: “We welcome the UK Government’s decision to progress Flybe’s proposed Dundee to Amsterdam service for potential funding by the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

“There is no doubt that this service would be of considerable benefit to business and tourism in Dundee and we are pleased that the proposed route will now be subject to further evaluation.

“We are ready to work with Flybe and Dundee City Council to support this bid in any way we can.”

A final decision on the bid is yet to be made.