Low-cost airline easyJet has celebrated hitting the 70m-passenger mark at Bristol Airport as it adds another new route to its network.
The airline began services from the airport in May 2001 – six years after its launch by entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou – initially flying to Palma, Faro and Nice.
Since then it has become Bristol’s largest operator, with 17 aircraft permanently based there flying to 70 leisure and business destinations – more than half the airport’s total.
The latest destination to be added to easyJet’s network is Malta, with a twice-weekly service to the popular Mediterranean island launching next April.
It will be the latest route on which easyJet competes with rival Jet2, which currently operates weekly flights to Malta.
Jet2, the UK’s third-largest airline, began flights from Bristol two years ago after it took over 27 routes previously operated by Thomas Cook prior to its collapse. Jet2 has since added a small number of other routes.
easyJet UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “We are so proud to be marking a key milestone as we celebrate flying 70m passengers from Bristol.
“Our first flights from Bristol took off for the first time 22 years ago and since then we’ve been committed to Bristol to providing great value fares and convenient connections for our customers from across the South West whether they’re travelling for business or leisure.
“And of course, I have to thank our fantastic customers for their loyalty and support and, we remain excited about the future at Bristol.
“We’re delighted to be bringing back our service between Bristol and Malta for next summer and taking our network at the airport from strength to strength so that we can offer our customers in the South West even more great-value choice.
“The Mediterranean is a firm favourite among UK holiday makers and with such a fantastic variety of things to see and do on the island of Malta, we know this service will be popular with customers booking their next summer break and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said the new Malta flights, which will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays, showed the strength of demand in the South West for customers wishing to travel and would help boost tourism and economic growth for the region through inbound opportunities.
“The destination opens up further choice and flexibility of flights available to customers in the region selecting to fly from their local airport and demonstrates the long-term collaboration and joint growth strategy between easyJet and Bristol Airport,” he added.
Earlier this year easyJet launched a year-round service to Enfidha-Hammamet in Tunisia from Bristol.
To celebrate the 70m passenger milestone, easyJet’s Bristol team surprised holidaymakers John and Lynda Booker from Gloucester, who were flying from Bristol to Tenerife, with free easyJet return flights, pictured.
