EasyJet, Bristol Airport’s largest airline, is to add Dubrovnik in Croatia and the French city of Nantes to its route network next year.
The two new services – both twice weekly – will operate in the summer months. So far this year easyJet has launched, or announced the start dates of, 12 new destinations from Bristol, taking its total to 58. 
Bristol is the airline’s second-most important UK base with nearly 4m easyJet passengers using the airport out of a total of 6.3m.
Two years ago easyJet signed a five-year agreement with the airport which included adding a 12th aircraft to its Bristol fleet.
The Nantes flights, which will operate every Monday and Thursday starting on March 28, follow the launch this July of rival bmi regional’s twice-weekly service to the city on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
EasyJet’s flights to Dubrovnik – Bristol’s first scheduled service to the Adriatic port – will start on June 19, flying on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thomson Airways this year started chartered services to Dubrovnik after adding a third aircraft to its Bristol-based fleet in May.
EasyJet UK commercial manager Ali Gayward said: “There is a growing demand for short and long breaks to both Dubrovnik and Nantes and we’re pleased to be able to make it convenient for our customers in the South West to visit both.
“Our expansion and ever-growing portfolio at Bristol Airport shows our commitment to making travel easy and affordable for leisure and business travellers in the South West. We have an unrivalled network with something for everyone and we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers on board our new two new flights next summer.”
Bristol Airport head of aviation Pete Downes added: “With over 30,000 people in the South West and Wales currently using London airports to fly to Dubrovnik, we know this route will prove a popular choice and make it easier than ever for passengers to choose their local airport first.
“Similarly, Nantes, as the gateway to both the Loire Valley and the Atlantic Coast, brings some of the best of France within easy reach on a flight of just 80 minutes.”
EasyJet’s first flights from Bristol to Bilbao, Catania, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Lanzarote, Porto and Zante took off this year, and another five – Basel, Vienna, Venice, Dubrovnik and Nantes – have been announced for next year.
Dubrovnik and Nantes flights went on sale this week with fares for both starting from £35.49 one way per person.
