easyJet Expands Winter Schedule with 17 New Routes in France

French low-cost carrier easyJet has announced a significant expansion of its winter flight schedule, introducing 17 new routes across France. This move aims to strengthen travel connections between the United Kingdom and various French destinations, catering to tourists heading for ski, city, and winter-sun getaways. The new routes will connect cities such as Bordeaux to Budapest, Lyon to Sharm el-Sheikh, and Paris to Luxor.

As easyJet enhances its connectivity, several new routes will also link United Kingdom cities to France, including services from Paris to Aberdeen, Grenoble to Southend, and Grenoble to Birmingham. Notably, flights from Toulouse to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) will resume with six weekly flights at peak frequency. While most of the new routes will operate two to three times weekly, introductory fares will start as low as €35 (approximately $45).

Overview of New Routes

The new routes fall into various categories, primarily focusing on enhancing connections between secondary cities in the United Kingdom and primary cities in France. This strategy aims to strengthen market presence and cater to diverse traveler needs. The routes include:

– Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
– Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB) to London Southend Airport (SEN)
– Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB) to Birmingham Airport (BHX)
– Strasbourg Airport (XSB) to Manchester Airport (MAN)
– Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

These connections are designed to deepen existing market ties, with easyJet aiming to enhance its year-round presence in several secondary markets. For instance, flights from Toulouse cater to leisure travelers, while routes to Grenoble are tailored for ski enthusiasts.

Additionally, two routes standout as sun-leisure services, targeting vacationers seeking warmer destinations:

– Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Luxor International Airport (LXR)
– Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

New Connections to Central and Eastern Europe

easyJet is also expanding its offerings to Central and Eastern Europe, introducing routes aimed at culture-oriented leisure travelers and those visiting friends and relatives. These new services include:

– Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
– Bordeaux Merignac Airport (BOD) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
– Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
– Lyon Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) to Pristina International “Adem Jashari” Airport (PRN)

Most of these routes are unique to easyJet, providing the airline with a competitive edge in pricing and market presence. For example, the Lyon to Pristina route serves a specific diaspora corridor, reflecting the airline’s confidence in its potential demand.

The remaining six routes offer nonstop services from easyJet’s hubs to various destinations across Western and Southern Europe, appealing to both leisure and business travelers. These include:

– Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) to Barcelona-El Prat “Josep Tarradellas” Airport (BCN)
– Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) to Geneva Airport (GVA)
– Strasbourg Airport (SXB) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
– Strasbourg Airport (SXB) to Rome Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport (FCO)
– Bordeaux Merignac Airport (BOD) to Vienna International Airport (VIE)
– Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

The introduction of these routes not only reinforces easyJet’s market position but also allows it to tap into secondary markets that competitors may overlook. While the profitability of all these routes remains to be seen, the airline is optimistic about the financial viability of many of the new connections.

With this ambitious expansion, easyJet is poised to significantly enhance its operational footprint during the winter months, meeting the needs of travelers across diverse destinations.