Dutch charter airline ArkeFly, part of the travel giant TUI, are advertising flights direct Amsterdam-Sitia flights for summer 2012. The booking form shows a twice weekly service, with return flights operating Thursdays and Sundays, starting 26/04/2012. The last flight is 18/10/2011.

Based on a sample search, prices don't appear too competitive, especially for non-Dutch flyers who must travel via Amsterdam, but it's a move in the right direction for the much anticipated development of the airport, and welcome news for east Crete tourism and visitors wanting an easier journey to this end of the island.

More information, and a booking form, can be found (in Dutch) on the ArkeFly website at http://www.arkefly.nl/vliegtickets/kreta-sitia.aspx.