Exeter's happy flyers

It's in top three of UK airports

The survey looked at a range of pet hates from check in and security queues to the cost of parking and catering. More than nine thousand passengers were asked for their views.

The study also revealed three-quarters of people said they'd choose their local airport as it's generally less busy than the major UK airport. Exeter also had one of the best scores for staff helpfulness in the study.

Exeter Airport’s managing director Matt Roach said: “We are very pleased to be so highly rated for another year in this survey. Starting a holiday with a long car journey to an airport several hours away is no long considered desirable by many and with the increasing number of destination options on offer from Exeter, we really are the airport of choice for many local travellers.”

Around half of those surveyed said that they would be willing to pay more or choose an alternative airline in order to fly from their preferred regional airport and a similar number prefer the ease and convenience of flying from regional airports.

Exeter and Newcastle were just beaten by Doncaster Sheffield in the rankings.