AIRPORT bosses say there is “a great deal of public interest” in setting up flights from Exeter to London.

The comments were made as a study suggested the expansion of Heathrow Airport could bring billions of pounds to the Westcountry economy.

There are currently no flights from Exeter to Heathrow and no capacity at Heathrow to accommodate incoming flights from regional airports like Exeter.

But a study published by the British Chambers of Commerce says that expansion of the country’s hub airport would free up space for air links from the South West,  providing a vital link to global markets and secure “much-needed inward investment” as well as boost tourism.

Business leaders say that flights to Heathrow from regional airports like Exeter  could be worth more than £5 billion to the economy of Devon and the Westcountry.

Exeter International Airport’s managing director Jamie Christon said: “We agree with the suggestion that enhanced air routes to the capital would be good for the South West economy and boost tourism.

“Improved capacity into a London hub airport is needed as the rail links to London are not likely to receive the infrastructure investment promised for other areas of the network.

“The operation of flights would be subject to an airline’s strategy but we understand that there is a great deal of public interest in an Exeter to London link.”

The lack of flights between Exeter and Heathrow is seen by some as an obstacle to business in the area.

The BCC report says that extending Heathrow would be worth £160 million a year to the Westcountry’s regional economy, and over a 60-year period would deliver benefits to the tune of £5.4 billion,  the biggest impact of any other region outside London and the South East.

But the plans to build a third runway at Heathrow have been controversial from the outset. Environmental campaigners have  vigorously opposed the plans.

And Lib Dem MP for Teignbridge Richard Younger-Ross was among MPs to take part in a campaign buying up parcels of land in a bid to block the expansion.

Paul Buchanan, part of the consultancy firm which carried out the study for the BCC, said: “We see the regions as the main beneficiaries.

“Regions are being excluded from the UK’s hub airport as there’s no capacity.

“The South West has no flights into Heathrow at the moment and it’s a long journey by train and car. It’s a big change in accessibility,” he said.

Flybe were unable to comment on the BCC study but the firm has previously stated: “In a London-centric rail network, Exeter remains well-served into Paddington and Flybe have no plans to offer a service to any London airport from Exeter.”