TOULOUSE- easyJet Europe (EC) announced the closure of its base at Toulouse-Blagnac airport (TLS) after ten years of operation. The low-cost carrier cited slow post-Covid recovery and current economic conditions as primary reasons for this decision.
The airline plans to remove two aircraft from Toulouse-Blagnac in spring 2025, transferring them to Nantes (NTE) and Lyon (LYS) airports.
easyJet Closes Toulouse Base
Despite the base closure, EasyJet commits to maintaining flight routes to and from Toulouse-Blagnac airport.
The airline stated, “EasyJet is committed to continuing to serve Toulouse as a destination and to offering flights to Toulouse, connecting the city to major destinations in France and internationally.” However, flight schedules may undergo changes starting from spring.
The impact on existing services remains uncertain, with no immediate announcements regarding potential cancellations. EasyJet currently operates two UK-Toulouse services, connecting the city to London and Bristol.
The majority of its traffic at Toulouse-Blagnac consists of domestic French flights, serving seven destinations: Paris, Nice, Nantes, Lyon, Lille, Mulhouse, and Rennes.
EasyJet’s international routes from Toulouse-Blagnac extend to various European and North African countries, including Italy, Morocco, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Portugal.
EasyJet’s decision to close its Toulouse-Blagnac base contrasts with Ryanair’s (FR) complete withdrawal from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport (BOD). While EasyJet maintains services to Toulouse, Ryanair will cease all operations in Bordeaux by October 2024 due to a dispute over basing fees.
The Toulouse base closure affects 125 staff members. EasyJet offers relocation packages to other French airports, demonstrating a commitment to employee retention.
France Network Changes
Bertrand Godinot, EasyJet’s France head, announced further changes to French operations. Plans include transferring an aircraft from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris Orly (ORY) and implementing a limited voluntary redundancy plan for cabin crew at three unspecified French bases.
The company aims to reduce its 1,800-strong French workforce by approximately 30 employees through voluntary measures, avoiding forced redundancies.
Despite these restructuring efforts, EasyJet projects growth in France. The airline anticipates a 5% increase in passenger numbers this winter, reinforcing its position as France’s second-largest carrier.
Qatar Airways TLS-DOH Suspension
Qatar Airways (QR) is also suspending its direct flight service between Toulouse (TLS), the home of Airbus, and Doha (DOH), less than a year after its launch. The final flight is scheduled for September 29, 2024, marking the end of a route that, despite its popularity, failed to meet economic expectations.
The thrice-weekly route, operated by Qatar Airways, has consistently achieved impressive load factors, with 75% to 80% of seats typically filled. However, the airline found itself caught in a challenging situation.
The initial aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 with 225 seats, proved inadequate, leading to an upgrade to the larger 305-seat Airbus A330-300. Paradoxically, this larger aircraft has now been deemed oversized for the route’s needs.
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