EasyJet to Close Toulouse Base, Relocate Aircraft to Nantes and Lyon

EasyJet has announced the closure of its base at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) in southern France, effective from spring 2025. This strategic decision is part of a broader restructuring of the airline’s operations in France, driven by slower-than-expected recovery from the pandemic and ongoing inflationary pressures. The move will involve the relocation of two aircraft currently stationed in Toulouse to EasyJet’s bases in Nantes and Lyon.

The base closure will impact 125 employees in Toulouse. However, EasyJet has offered a relocation package to these staff members, providing them with the opportunity to transfer to one of the airline’s six other bases across France. The remaining bases include Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly. The airline has emphasized its commitment to retaining the experienced staff, ensuring that no compulsory redundancies will occur as a result of the base closure.

Despite the base closure, EasyJet will continue to operate flights to Toulouse from its other French bases. The airline has assured that it will maintain its service to the city, connecting it to major destinations both within France and internationally. The 20 routes planned for the winter 2024-25 season from Toulouse will remain unaffected by this change.

Bertrand Godinot, EasyJet’s country director for France, commented on the situation, stating, “Together with our social partners, we will provide all our employees in Toulouse the opportunity to transfer to one of our six other bases in France as we highly value our team’s experience and skills. We will also ensure that those who are unable to leave Toulouse are supported in their search for new roles. Our proposal does not include any compulsory redundancies, and during this consultation our people will remain our priority.”

Currently, EasyJet operates 17 routes from Toulouse, serving six domestic and 11 international destinations. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, EasyJet is the third-largest operator at the airport, holding an 18.4% capacity share. The largest operator is Air France, with a 24% share, followed by Ryanair with 21.4%. Notably, seven of EasyJet’s 17 routes from Toulouse are exclusive to the carrier, including flights to Berlin, Brussels, EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, Geneva, London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, and Rhodes, Greece.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport has stated that the city “remains a preferred destination in the EasyJet network,” and discussions are ongoing to ensure “an attractive offer while maintaining quality connectivity.”

The base closure follows a similar move by Ryanair, which announced the closure of its base at Bordeaux Airport (BOD) in November due to rising airport charges. Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, Jason McGuinness, noted at the time that the airline had “no financial alternative” other than to close the base after negotiations with Bordeaux’s management failed.

Overall, seat capacity from and within France in September 2024 is approaching 10.4 million departure seats, nearly 98% of pre-pandemic levels. EasyJet’s capacity is expected to grow by 3% over the same period, while Ryanair’s capacity is anticipated to be 54% higher. This reflects a competitive landscape in the French aviation market as airlines adjust their operations and strategies in response to evolving economic conditions.