Well it's not that new, I think it started back in March.....
http://www.flybe.com/offers/For anyone in the South Yorkshire area who might be interested, Flybe now have one flight per day from Doncaster Sheffield to Schipol, 11:30 departure. Arrival in Schipol is 13:40 which is convenient for typical hotel check-in times. And yes, it lands on "that" runway with the 15-minute taxi to the gate, although it did go to an actual gate (H) unlike some other flights I've been on that require a bus-shuttle to the terminal.
The return flight from Schipol is at 14:15, with a 14:30 arrival in Doncaster Sheffield. From take-off to landing is only about 45 minutes, so with the 1 hr time difference, on the way back you technically land before you take-off (like most Schipol to UK routes I suppose), LOL.
Public transport connections at the UK end aren't great going out (the airport doesn't have a train station and the only reliable bus connection is the X19 at 08:40 from Doncaster train station) but the airport itself is extremely chilled at that time of day with few other flights. Based on a flight last Wednesday - no queue at the check-in / baggage drop. A couple of people in front of me at security. Only 30~ people on the flight so plenty of room to spread out.
The flights cost me £55 return (includes small cabin bag only) with another £44 for checked baggage, so £99 return total including my suitcase.
The aircraft are Embraer 195s (nice modern 100-seat jets with 2-by-2 seating and decent legroom).
I hope it turns into a viable route; it's well worth giving it a go if you live in that part of the country!
