easyJet has revealed it will operate new direct flights between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) in the UK and Gran Canaria- the Spanish archipelago’s second most popular island.
The new route will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, during the winter season, marking an impressive strengthening of links between the Canary Islands and the UK market.
It sees an expansion of the budget airline’s existing connections, which already include flights to Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, London (Gatwick and Luton), Manchester, and Edinburgh.
This latest announcement follows easyJet’s recent introduction of routes from London Southend and Birmingham, which showcases its commitment to serving the top tourist destination.
EasyJet currently holds a 25% market share in UK-to-Canaries flights during winter and 15% in summer, making the region a key part of its European network.
According to easyJet’s data, between May and September last year, it transported 64,747 British passengers to Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands are among one of the top winter sun destinations for the UK, showcased by the fact that this number swelled to 71,392 travellers during the winter season.
Last year, around one million British tourists visited Gran Canaria, part of the nearly 6.3 million who visited the archipelago in total – a record number in itself.
British visitors contributed a total of €1.24 billion (£1.02 billion) to the local economy, with an average spending per trip of 1,415 euros (£1,168).
“The ability to expand flight connections ensures that Gran Canaria remains an attractive destination for international visitors,” said Carlos Álamo, the island’s Tourism Minister.
“Everything suggests that 2025 will be a year full of opportunities for the people of Gran Canaria.”
EasyJet has also recently launched new flights to the “underrated” European seaside city of Brest in Brittany with twice weekly flights from London Gatwick, beginning on June 25.
Further afield, it will also operate new flights to a beautiful town in Africa in desparate need of tourists to boost its economy. easyJet will be launching flights to Enfidha, in north-eastern Tunisia, in spring 2025 from London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport.
In 2024, an impressive 5.1 million passengers travelled through Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the highest number since 2011 and a 21% increase from 2023. This solidified the airport’s position as one of the top 10 busiest airports outside of London.
