EasyJet Shifts Italy Strategy
EasyJet is undergoing significant restructuring of its operations in Italy as it awaits a decision on its potential role as a remedy-taker in the Lufthansa-ITA Airways merger. Starting April 2025, the airline will close its base at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), relocating the three aircraft stationed there to other Italian airports. Despite the closure, Venice will remain part of EasyJet’s network, ensuring continued service to major European destinations such as Berlin, London, and Paris. This strategic move is aimed at optimizing operations and enhancing service efficiency across key Italian hubs.
In a commitment to maintaining employment levels in Italy, EasyJet has assured that pilots and cabin crew based in Venice will be offered transfers to other Italian bases. This initiative highlights EasyJet’s dedication to its workforce and its intent to sustain a strong presence in the Italian aviation market despite the base closure. By reallocating resources, EasyJet aims to support its employees while continuing to deliver reliable services to passengers.
The closure of the Venice base will facilitate EasyJet’s expansion at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), where it currently holds the position of the largest operator with a 28% market share. Additionally, the airline plans to grow its presence at Naples Airport (NAP), where an eighth aircraft was added to the fleet in summer 2024. These expansions are part of EasyJet’s broader strategy to strengthen its network in Italy and improve connectivity to primary European destinations. Lorenzo Lagorio, EasyJet Italy country manager, emphasized the company’s ongoing investments in Lombardy, Campania, and other Italian regions, aligning with their strategy of connecting primary airports across Europe.
Moreover, EasyJet has announced plans to open new bases at Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) during the summer 2025 season, contingent upon being selected as a remedy-taker in the Lufthansa-ITA deal. This potential expansion is aligned with the European Commission’s conditions for approving Lufthansa’s 41% acquisition of Italy’s flag carrier ITA. One key condition requires ITA to relinquish slots at Milan Linate, thereby allowing EasyJet to establish a sustainable base at the airport.
Currently, EasyJet serves one domestic and 13 international destinations from Venice Marco Polo Airport, offering approximately 19,400 weekly departure seats. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, EasyJet is the second-largest operator at VCE, holding a 12.3% capacity share, behind Ryanair’s 22.8%. The relocation of the three aircraft based in Venice will depend on the final decision regarding the Lufthansa-ITA remedies, which will shape EasyJet’s future operations in the region.
In addition to its restructuring efforts in Italy, EasyJet has announced the closure of its base at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in southern France next spring. The two aircraft currently stationed at TLS will be moved to Nantes and Lyon, reflecting EasyJet’s ongoing efforts to optimize its fleet and operational footprint across Europe. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and focus on key markets where EasyJet sees the greatest growth potential.
EasyJet’s restructuring in Italy underscores its commitment to growth and adaptation within the competitive European aviation market. By concentrating on key hubs like Milan Malpensa and Naples, and potentially expanding to Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, EasyJet aims to enhance connectivity and service efficiency for its passengers. This strategic realignment positions EasyJet to better serve its customers and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Italian aviation sector.
As EasyJet navigates the regulatory landscape of the Lufthansa-ITA deal, the airline remains focused on maintaining robust operations in Italy, ensuring continuity for its employees, and expanding its reach within Europe’s major travel destinations. This move not only strengthens EasyJet’s presence in Italy but also reinforces its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the European market, poised for continued growth and success.