easyJet Expands Italian Presence with New Bases in Rome and Milan
easyJet is set to strengthen its foothold in Italy by launching new bases at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate early next year. This strategic expansion comes following the European Commission’s (EC) approval of Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo), facilitating easyJet’s access to valuable airport slots previously held by Lufthansa.
In a media statement released on December 11, easyJet announced plans to station five of its aircraft at Milan Linate in preparation for the 2025 Northern Hemisphere summer season. Additionally, the budget airline will base three aircraft at Rome Fiumicino. These developments are a direct result of the EC’s recent green light to Lufthansa’s acquisition deal, which included measures to ensure fair competition by allocating slots at Milan and Rome to rival carriers like easyJet and Air France.
The EC’s approval last month was contingent upon Lufthansa implementing a series of remedies to maintain competitive balance in the Italian aviation market. By granting easyJet and other competitors access to ITA Airways’ slots at key airports, the EC aims to prevent monopolistic control and promote diverse route options across Southern Europe. Lufthansa’s investment in ITA Airways is part of a broader strategy to capture a larger share of the Southern European market, while also complying with regulatory requirements to foster competition.
easyJet’s expansion into Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino marks a significant milestone for the airline, which already operates numerous routes from these hubs. At Milan Linate, easyJet currently offers flights to destinations including Paris Orly, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Berlin Brandenburg International. With the new base, easyJet plans to introduce additional flights to Manchester International and Edinburgh starting March 30. This expansion will enhance connectivity for passengers traveling from Milan to key cities in the UK and beyond.
Meanwhile, from Rome Fiumicino, easyJet currently serves a diverse range of destinations such as Berlin, Geneva, Nice, Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Bordeaux Mérignac, Nantes, Paris Orly, Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, Zurich, London Gatwick, Bristol International, and Manchester. The addition of three new aircraft at Fiumicino will allow easyJet to offer even more flight options, catering to the growing demand for low-cost travel across Europe.
By the summer of 2025, easyJet is projected to have a total of 38 aircraft based in Italy, positioning the country as the airline’s second-largest market after the United Kingdom. This significant presence underscores easyJet’s commitment to expanding its network and providing affordable travel options to Italian and international travelers alike.
The collaboration between easyJet and ITA Airways, facilitated by the EC’s regulatory approval, exemplifies how strategic partnerships and regulatory frameworks can drive growth and competition in the aviation industry. As easyJet establishes its new bases in Rome and Milan, passengers can expect an increase in flight frequency, enhanced route diversity, and competitive pricing, further solidifying easyJet’s reputation as a leading low-cost carrier in Europe.
EasyJet’s upcoming expansion into Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate is a strategic move that leverages the European Commission’s regulatory decisions to enhance its operational footprint in Italy. By basing additional aircraft at these major Italian airports, easyJet aims to offer more destinations, improve connectivity, and capture a larger share of the Southern European market. This development not only benefits easyJet but also provides travelers with more options and competitive fares, reinforcing the airline’s position in the highly competitive aviation sector.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=easyJet
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com