Graham Everett, head of customer services with Loganair, operating the flights under their franchise agreement with Flybe, said, “Bookings for the first month are good.”

Loganair is returning to the airport where it operated its first scheduled air services in 1963, when founder Willie Logan won the tender to build the Tay Road Bridge.

One of the first passengers to check in, Theresa MacGregor, said she was flying down to a housing association meeting in Birmingham.

“Normally I go the day before from Edinburgh, but this flight from Dundee means I can go down in the morning and be back in the evening of the same day.”

Ian Anderson said he had been a regular traveller for Royal Mail on the previous service and was very happy to see the flights return.

He said he had been impressed with booking and check in arrangements. “I am delighted the flights are back up.

“It has been a good quick service and everyone has been very friendly,” he said.

Flybe are operating three flights daily from Dundee to Birmingham and a single rotation to Belfast in the middle of the day, with one flight on a Sunday to each destination.

Flights had been previously operated by the now folded flyWhoosh, who ended services suddenly last December after Polish aircraft supplier White Eagle Aviation pulled their aircraft out of the UK.

The decision was a blow to Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd., who had only taken over the running of Dundee Airport earlier that month.

HIAL promised to bring new destinations to Dundee as part of the plans for the future of the airport and their long relationship with Loganair is the first to bear fruit as they picked up the Birmingham and Belfast routes after a five month gap.

Mr Everett said, “We have been working on this for weeks making sure everything was ready. HIAL have been great and hopefully that will make this a simple operation.”

He added that with full online check in available through Flybe, passengers’ journeys are made even easier.

Airport manager Graeme Bell said staff had performed well as some 60 people boarded the flights to London and Birmingham before 7am.

“Its like we have been doing this for years,” was his verdict.

More new flights from Dundee Airport were promised by Loganair today as the airline launched the routes.

Encouraged by the response of the Dundee public, Loganair chairman Scott Grier made a commitment to growing their base in Dundee.

He said, “I am very encouraged. The catchment area can support a number of services and we are going to be looking hard at that.

“We have not survived without being sensible and we have got to get these new services bedded down.

“Aviation is going through a difficult period with high fuel costs but we will go forward to more than just two routes.”

At this stage, Mr Grier said he would not give any details of the destinations that are being considered, although he conceded they would be within the UK, as part of their franchise arrangement with Flybe.

Mr Grier said there had been a “little disappointment” at the three day hiccup which delayed reservations in Belfast after the route was announced.

However, he said, “I have been greatly encouraged, particularly by reservations in recent weeks and that gives us confidence to go on with it.”

He also acknowledged the work done by flyWhoosh in establishing the Birmingham and Belfast flights.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said the Scottish Government remained committed to the development of Dundee airport, both directly and through HIAL.

“I don’t believe they simply want to come here for the short term,” the minister said.

In terms of infrastructure he noted Dundee Airport appeared “a bit short of car parking” with the current three destinations it has and that further routes would add to the problem.

While additional parking is being looked at, he said he would like to see public transport improved given the airport’s proximity to the city centre.

Dundee West MSP Joe Fitzpatrick said he welcomed the return of the routes.

He added, “It is important for people who relied on it before and for the economic development of the area.”