EasyJet Expands: New Milan and Rome Bases in 2025
European low-cost airline easyJet has announced plans to open new bases in Milan and Rome in early 2025, marking a significant expansion in the Italian market. The London-Luton (LTN)-based carrier aims to capitalize on the European Commission’s recent approval of the Lufthansa Group’s takeover of Italian airline ITA Airways. EasyJet becomes the first airline to benefit from the European Commission’s remedy proposals under this deal, enhancing competition in the Italian aviation sector.
Starting in spring 2025, easyJet will base five aircraft at Milan-Linate Airport (LIN) and three at Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). This strategic move is expected to create approximately 300 jobs across the two new bases, contributing to the local economies and strengthening easyJet’s presence in Italy.
By deepening its footprint in the Italian market, easyJet will offer passengers a wider choice of destinations and competitive fares to and from Italy’s two main cities. This expansion aligns with the European Commission’s intention to increase competition following the ITA Airways takeover, ensuring that the Italian market remains dynamic and consumer-friendly.
With the addition of these new bases, easyJet will operate a total of 38 aircraft in Italy across four key airports: Milan-Malpensa (MXP), Milan-Linate, Rome-Fiumicino, and Naples (NAP). The budget airline group will serve 20 Italian airports, flying more than 20 million customers to and from Italy annually. Since beginning operations in Italy in 1998, easyJet has carried over 210 million passengers to and from Italian airports, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to the region.
Despite the new base at Milan-Linate Airport, easyJet emphasizes that Milan-Malpensa will continue to be at the core of its European and Italian network. Milan-Malpensa remains the airline’s largest base in continental Europe, recently celebrating the milestone of 100 million passengers carried since operations commenced in 1998.
Leadership Comments on Expansion
Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s Chief Financial Officer and incoming CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion:
“We are pleased to be approved as the short-haul remedy taker in Milan and Rome. This will ensure the Italian market remains competitive, with easyJet now able to offer a wider choice of destinations and low fares for Italian consumers, with those flying to and from Linate and Rome benefiting from new services from spring onwards.”
Lorenzo Lagorio, Country Manager Italy for easyJet, highlighted the airline’s significant role in Italian aviation:
“Having carried more than 210 million passengers to and from Italy in the last 26 years, we have proudly supported the democratization of local air transport in the country, enabling more and more Italians to travel conveniently and seamlessly across Europe. We are excited by the opportunity to grow our presence in both Milan and Rome, creating jobs and continuing to provide more choices and options to our customers.”
Strengthening Competition in Italy
The expansion into Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino is a strategic response to the European Commission’s remedy ruling, designed to increase competition and prevent market restrictions following the Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of ITA Airways. By stepping in as the short-haul remedy taker, easyJet is set to enhance connectivity and offer more options to travelers, reinforcing its position as a leading low-cost carrier in Europe.
Passengers can look forward to new routes and increased flight frequencies, making travel to and from Italy more accessible and affordable. EasyJet’s investment in Italy not only boosts the airline’s network but also supports the broader goal of a competitive and vibrant European aviation market.
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