UK-France flights impacted as easyJet withdraws from major UK airport
EasyJet said it will focus on routes that are more popular
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EasyJet is pulling out of one of the UK’s major airports, meaning passengers travelling between Yorkshire and France will lose a direct flight option from January 2027.
The airline has confirmed it will stop all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) from January 5, 2027.
For French and UK travellers heading to and from France, the most notable loss is the Leeds Bradford-Paris route. EasyJet also currently serves Barcelona, Belfast, Malaga and Majorca from the airport. Its Geneva service ended in June.
However, flights to Malaga and Majorca are set to end in November as they were summer routes.
The BBC reports that easyJet made the decision following a review of its routes, saying it wants to focus on "maintaining and developing" its "most popular" services.
An easyJet spokesperson said: "Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after January 5."
What happens if you have an easyJet booking?
Passengers booked to fly from Leeds Bradford after January 5, 2027 have been contacted by easyJet and offered a choice of a free transfer from an alternative airport or a refund.
Flights scheduled before January 5 are expected to operate as planned.
However, Ryanair and Jet2 continue to operate from the airport, with Ryanair already moving to attract easyJet's displaced passengers.
Ryanair offers 'rescue fares'
Ryanair has moved quickly to target passengers affected by easyJet's departure.
In a post on its Facebook account, Ryanair said:
"While easyJet abandons Leeds Bradford, cutting its full schedule from Jan 5, 2027, Ryanair is saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 for affected passengers."
The airline said the fares would be available until the end of February through its website and app.
However, it should be noted that Ryanair does not offer direct flights between Leeds Bradford and Paris Beauvais, with its itineraries involving a connection. Jet2, meanwhile, does offer direct flights between Leeds Bradford and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
