easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, yesterday (19 April) launched services from Gibraltar to Bristol.
The new route, which operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, is a year round
service and provides the first regular scheduled direct service between Gibraltar and Bristol.
147 passengers travelled on the inaugural flight from Bristol to Gibraltar on Sunday 19th April, and 108
took the first flight from Gibraltar to Bristol on the same day.
easyJet will operate the flights using a 156 seater A319 and expects the new route to attract around
39,000 visitors during the first 12 months. Fares start from £19.99 one way.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s Head of Gibraltar, said:
“We’re delighted to have added this new route to our network from Gibraltar and that services between
the two destinations have now commenced. We will have more than 19,000 seats available on the new
service this summer alone.
“We continue to see an increased number of travellers looking to fly with easyJet on our Gibraltar routes
and with affordable fares and flight time of just over two and a half hours, we’re confident that this new
service will prove popular with both business and leisure travellers.
“We remain fully committed to serving Gibraltar and supporting the growth of tourism and business
through our easy and affordable fares.”
Ashley Fox, MEP for the South West of England & Gibraltar, said:
"Gibraltar has always been a bastion of British culture and the gateway to the Mediterranean. For
centuries it has had strong links with the South West of England built on the foundation of mutual defence
and respect and the sharing of the Royal Navy. These bonds can only be strengthened by this direct
transport link between the two parts of the region I represent. I would encourage everyone in the South
West to visit Gibraltar and enjoy the sun, sea, sand and friendly atmosphere of The Rock and I hope that
many Gibraltarians will travel to the South West and enjoy our famous hospitality as well.”
Minister for Tourism, The Hon Samantha Sacramento MP, together with representatives of the Gibraltar
Tourist Board and staff of the Gibraltar International Airport, greeted passengers upon arrival. The Reenactment
Society provided a colourful historical escort for the occasion.
Minister Sacramento, said she was delighted that the easyJet Bristol connection had finally materialised, as
it would strengthen Gibraltar’s ties with a region of the UK with which it already enjoys important political
and business relations.
She further highlighted that tourism is a vital component of the economy and Gibraltar’s long term
economic prosperity.
The Minister said: “This air link to Bristol once again underlines our determination and commitment to
expand air connectivity to the Rock, which we recognise is essential in order to ensure increased business
opportunities to our thriving tourism, leisure and hospitality industry.
“The GSLP-Liberal Government has demonstrated its resolute support for the tourist industry by investing
in the product and in strategic marketing initiatives, to ensure that Gibraltar’s robust profile as one of the
leading short break destinations in the Mediterranean is further enhanced.
“Our overriding aim continues to be to attract more and more visitors to the Rock each year and to this end
we will devote our energies and attention in the coming months to consolidate last year’s positive trends in
tourism.”
About Gibraltar: Gibraltar, famous for its beautiful Rock, is ideal for those looking to escape to sunnier
climates. Travellers can take advantage of Gibraltar’s breath taking views from the top of the Rock, vast
history and heritage and VAT-free shopping, as well as giving tourists an opportunity to explore the deep
caves and tunnels of the British Overseas Territory.