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  easyJet

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  U2/EZY (UK) | EC/EJU (Europe) | DS/EZS (Switzerland)

  Airline Type:

  Low-Cost Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Geneva Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Luton Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport

  Year Founded:

  1995

  CEO:

  Johan Lundgren

easyJet has obtained 18 slots at Lisbon Airport to make it the second-largest carrier operating at the airport. The slots, formerly held by TAP Air Portugal, were also sought by Ryanair, but the European Commission decided in favor of easyJet.

18 daily slots at Lisbon for easyJet

easyJet has fended off competition from Ryanair to gain 18 daily take-off and landing slots at Lisbon Airport formerly held by TAP Air Portugal. TAP agreed to cede the slots after undergoing restructuring, leaving easyJet, Ryanair and other interested carriers to duke it out for the additional capacity.

easyJet will gain its new slots on October 30th and plans "to offer a wider choice in destinations and affordable fares for people traveling to and from the Portuguese capital."

Jose Lopes, Country Manager for Portugal at easyJet, said,

"We are really pleased with the European Commission’s decision to assign 18 new slots at Lisbon airport to easyJet. This will enable us to keep growing significantly in one of our most important markets. In the past two challenging years, Portugal proved to play a crucial role in supporting our strategy; aside from being one of our customers’ favorite destinations across our entire network. We are also excited to become Lisbon’s #2 carrier, which is a testament to our Portuguese customers’ loyalty throughout the years."

easyJet opened its base at Lisbon Airport in 2012 and currently serves four other airports in Portugal - Porto, Faro, Funchal and Porto Santo. The airline has carried around 70 million passengers to and from Portugal since launching its first flights to the country back in 1998.

Why easyJet?

The European Commission (EC) decided that easyJet ranked first among all interested airlines. The commission published a call for proposals on February 25th, attracting several eager airlines given the slot congestion at Lisbon Airport.

Proposals were ranked based on the seat capacity carriers would offer using the slots, with easyJet coming out on top.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition, said,

"Following an open procedure, easyJet will obtain 18 of the daily take-off and landing slots currently held by TAP at Lisbon airport. This will encourage competition in the European aviation sector, as it will enable easyJet to expand its activities at this congested airport, contributing to fair prices and increased choice for European consumers."

easyJet will become the second-largest operator at Lisbon Airport behind TAP Air Portugal. The airline claims that, compared to pre-pandemic levels, its capacity in Portugal has grown 18%, including 14% in Lisbon.

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Ryanair loses out

Ryanair stated on Monday that it was the "more reliable" carrier and should be granted the slots ceded by TAP. Unfortunately for Ryanair, Brussels did not see it that way and ruled in favor of easyJet.

In March, the airline canceled 19 Lisbon routes in a row over TAP slots, affecting around 5,000 flights and up to 900,000 passengers. Ryanair later urged Portugal's PM to release TAP slots at Lisbon Airport but was not granted its wish.

Do you think easyJet deserves the 18 slots at Lisbon Airport above Ryanair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.