EasyJet is set to expand its operations from Zurich with five new destinations, including Edinburgh and Málaga, starting next summer. This move intensifies competition with SWISS and Edelweiss, aiming to lower ticket prices for travelers. EasyJet’s strategic expansion brings its total routes from Zurich to 13, complementing its robust network in Switzerland. Additionally, the airline is enhancing winter offerings and promoting its holiday package service, projecting continued growth with a high occupancy rate and new aircraft on the horizon.
EasyJet Expands Routes from Zurich: A New Era of Competition
The iconic white cross on a red background symbolizes Switzerland’s rich aviation landscape, where EasyJet and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) are fierce competitors. While SWISS commands Zurich Airport, EasyJet has established a strong presence at Geneva and Basel airports. However, the low-cost airline is now setting its sights on Zurich, intensifying the competition for Swiss air travelers.
New Destinations for Travelers from Zurich
Starting next summer, EasyJet will introduce five exciting new destinations from Zurich: Edinburgh in Scotland, Málaga in Spain, Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Faro in the Portuguese Algarve, and Olbia in Sardinia. This expansion comes despite the challenges of securing favorable take-off slots at the busy Zurich airport.
These new routes will compete directly with SWISS and its sister airline, Edelweiss, both part of the Lufthansa Group, likely leading to more competitive ticket pricing for passengers. With flight prices driven by supply and demand dynamics, the increase in available seats is expected to lead to lower fares, much to the delight of travelers.
EasyJet currently operates from its bases in Basel (11 aircraft) and Geneva (17 aircraft) but has been strategically placing aircraft at attractive locations to enhance its offerings from Zurich. According to Thomas Haagensen, EasyJet’s Director of Markets, the airline has successfully established a seasonal base in Palma de Mallorca, facilitating daily flights to Zurich.
This strategic move expands EasyJet’s route offerings from Zurich to a total of 13 destinations. The airline, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Switzerland, operates a robust network of 160 routes to and from the country. In the past financial year, EasyJet transported 14.4 million passengers to or from Switzerland, primarily from its operations in Geneva and Basel, marking a full recovery to pre-COVID levels.
In conjunction with announcing its new routes, EasyJet released impressive financial results for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. With a profit of 610 million British pounds (approximately 680 million Swiss francs), this figure reflects a remarkable 34 percent increase compared to the previous year. In comparison, SWISS also reported a record profit of 718 million francs, solidifying its status as one of the most profitable airlines globally.
EasyJet’s productivity has seen notable improvement, generating nearly 6.70 francs per offered seat. This positive performance has influenced stock prices, with EasyJet shares nearing their all-time highs recently. The airline’s success can be attributed to its focus on leisure and holiday travelers, particularly as market research indicates that travel remains a top priority for consumers, despite inflationary pressures.
As city tourism rebounds, EasyJet is also expanding its winter offerings, venturing beyond Europe to destinations like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. From Geneva, passengers can now fly to four different airports in Egypt, and the recent addition of Tromsø, Norway, caters to travelers seeking the northern lights. This strategic expansion aims to enhance winter travel options.
To further enrich the travel experience, EasyJet is promoting its tour operator arm. Passengers from Zurich can now select from around 400 hotels that can be booked alongside their flights, complete with a 23-kilo checked baggage allowance and a refund guarantee. Dubbed EasyJet Holidays, this package deal initiative was launched in Switzerland this year, marking the second market after the UK to introduce this offering.
Looking ahead, EasyJet maintains an optimistic outlook, currently recording an impressive occupancy rate of 80 percent. With nine new aircraft set to enhance seat capacity by 3 percent in 2025, EasyJet is poised for continued growth, ensuring that holidaymakers can look forward to exciting travel opportunities.