EasyJet plans new Heathrow base
EasyJet will launch up to 200 flights a day from Heathrow if the airport builds a third runway, chief executive Carolyn McCall has confirmed.
She said flights would operate alongside easyJet’s services from Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend.
Speaking after the Airports Commission plumped firmly in favour of a new runway at Heathrow in its report to the Government, McCall said: "EasyJet supports the Airports Commission’s clear and unanimous recommendation and agrees that expansion at Heathrow will provide the greatest passenger and economic benefits, including lower fares by opening up the airport to increased competition.
"Expansion at Heathrow will bring significant benefits to all parts of the UK and is in the best interests of all passengers – both business and leisure, long and short haul.
"Expansion at Heathrow must be delivered sustainably. Local noise and environmental impacts need to be addressed and easyJet supports the Commission’s recommendations on these issues.
"We now urge the Government to quickly proceed with the Commission’s recommendation and start the work to increase the aviation capacity for the UK."
McCall said easyJet would provide competition from Heathrow airlines on dozens of European and domestic routes.
"This would include new services to Inverness, Isle of Man and Jersey and increased services and more competition for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Belfast as well as new and increased services for many other key cities including Amsterdam, Geneva and Zurich."
Currently, only seven destinations in the UK have flights to Heathrow.
EasyJet’s expansion into Heathrow would bring down air fares for passengers wanting to fly in and out of London’s premier hub, she added.
"EasyJet’s costs are significantly lower than legacy airlines so even allowing for an increase in charges at an expanded Heathrow easyJet’s fares on these services would be lower than those paid by passengers today."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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