As easyJet celebrates its 30th anniversary, the UK’s biggest budget airline is setting its sights on London Heathrow but only if the numbers add up. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis revealed that Heathrow remains the “obvious blank spot” in easyJet’s network, which now spans 164 airports across 38 countries.
EasyJet turns 30
EasyJet’s first flight took off from Luton to Glasgow on 10 November 1995. Three decades later, easyJet operates nearly 100 aircraft in the London area, with 70 based at Gatwick, 25 at Luton, and a growing presence at Southend.
Despite its dominance in the low-cost sector, Heathrow has remained out of reach due to its high operating costs and limited take-off and landing slots.
Heathrow’s Future Hinges on Costs and Capacity
Heathrow’s planned third runway backed by the government could increase available slots by 54 per cent, creating new opportunities for airlines like easyJet. But Jarvis remains cautious:
“We have a healthy order book, 290 Airbus A320 Neos on the way. Whether we go to Heathrow depends entirely on cost. If Heathrow gets even more expensive, it’s unlikely we’ll be there. But if it becomes commercially attractive, it’s a great opportunity. The M4 corridor isn’t well served by low-cost carriers.”
Heathrow’s Terminal 4 is already home to other low-cost and short-haul carriers such as Vueling and Eurowings, both competing on popular European routes.
British Airways and EasyJet Set for a Competitive Clash
British Airways currently dominates domestic and short-haul routes at Heathrow but CEO Sean Doyle says the airline is ready for competition.
Doyle said:
“There’s a lot of catchment overlap between Gatwick and Heathrow that we compete successfully for.”
Aviation analyst John Strickland believes easyJet’s entry would shake up the market.
“They’ll attract more business travellers at Heathrow who might pay higher fares. It would create a healthy competitive spur between the two carriers.”
Would you choose easyJet over British Airways for a flight from Heathrow if fares were lower? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
