Digital Crosstalk

EasyJet cuts Luton flights and axes East Midlands

Posted by Brian | Filed under air

Budget airline carrier, EasyJet, has announced it will be cutting services from Luton airport by 20% and will also be closing its base at East Midlands airport.

Bearing similarities to chief market rival Ryanair, the airline has blamed rising costs at Luton, where the airline has its head office claiming there has been a rise of 25% in costs over the past three years. Meanwhile, its East Midlands operation will be moved to more profitable bases after becoming stagnant. Ryanair recently announced plans to stop using Manchester International due to concerns over airport charges.

A statement from easyJet said:

“The proposals to reduce flying at Luton are a function of the airport’s failure to recognise the commercial realities of the recession and that easyJet has opportunities to move capacity to more attractive locations elsewhere in its network as weaker competitors retrench in today’s tough climate… Airport costs at Luton have risen by 25% over the past three years which makes the base no longer competitive.”

However, easyJet claimed its overall growth plan would remain unchanged from its projected 7.5% per year.

It’s a tough time for the aviation industry and the latest announcement by EasyJet is another hammer blow to the industry. Jobs are likely to be axed at both Luton and East Midlands, where EasyJet have a fleet of just three aircraft at the airport.

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4. Aer Lingus axes Belfast routes
5. Ryanair to allow passengers the chance to smoke on flights

Tags: East Midlands Airport, EasyJet, Luton, Ryanair