In the wake of Ryanair's relentless cutting of routes between southern Spain and the UK, it is heartening to learn that easyJet is to reverse the trend by launching a new route from next Spring.

The orange-coloured carrier has just announced a new service between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and Gibraltar, the first time that flights from the Merseyside airport will have operated to the Rock.

The low-cost airline plans to operate three flights a week in each direction, commencing on 29th March 2011, and fares are expected to start from just £27.99 (one-way, including taxes).

This is good news for both residents of southern Spain and frequent travellers to the area, as it will increase the choice of routes and airlines, maintain competition and help to keep prices low.

Robin Tudor, Head of PR for Peel Airports, owners of JLA, commented, “This will be the first time scheduled flights will be available to Gibraltar for the region’s passengers direct from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and we expect this unique destination to be yet another easyJet success.”

Ali Gayward, UK commercial manager at easyJet added: “We’re delighted to be providing travellers from the [Merseyside] region with direct and affordable access to this unique holiday spot.”

At a time when many airlines, such as Ryanair, are consolidating their business and reducing the number of routes, it is great to see easyJet continuing to develop services.

Currently it is possible to fly from Málaga, Jerez and Sevilla to a range of UK airports, although Ryanair now only offers flights to London Stansted from Jerez and even these have been suspended for the winter. Ryanair flights from Granada to the UK were withdrawn earlier this year following a dispute between the airline and the airport.
 
© Paul Whitelock

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Tags: easyJet, Ryanair, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Gibraltar, low-cost airline, Málaga, Jerez, Sevilla, Granada, Paul Whitelock, www.a1-solutions-spain.com