EasyJet has reported a pre-tax loss of £93 million for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. This result reflects normal seasonal pressure faced by airlines during winter. Despite this, the carrier has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook. Strong bookings and steady demand are driving optimism across the tourism sector.
The airline continues to see improving performance across its network. Passenger confidence remains high, and forward indicators point to a strong travel year ahead.
Passenger Numbers Rise as Demand Holds Firm
EasyJet recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers during the quarter. Load factor also improved by two percentage points to reach 90%. These figures highlight healthy demand for short-haul European travel.
Travelers are returning to the skies in large numbers. Leisure travel remains the main driver, especially for city breaks and summer holidays.
Record January Bookings Strengthen Summer Forecast
January delivered the strongest booking performance in EasyJet’s history. Demand surged as travelers secured flights well ahead of the summer season. This trend shows growing confidence among holidaymakers.
The airline has already sold 63% of its seats for the upcoming quarter. Early bookings help stabilize pricing and support better planning for peak travel months.
Summer Destinations See Early Demand
Popular European cities are leading the booking surge. Milan and Rome rank among the top choices for travelers planning summer breaks. These destinations continue to attract visitors with culture, food, and events.
EasyJet expects revenue per seat to rise slightly during the year. This reflects steady pricing power and strong route performance across key markets.
New Routes Improve European Connectivity
EasyJet has expanded its route network with new services to Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino. These additions improve access to two of Europe’s busiest travel hubs.
The new routes support both leisure and business travel. They also strengthen connections between major cities and regional airports. Improved connectivity helps spread tourism benefits across wider regions.
Italy Remains a Tourism Powerhouse
Italy continues to rank as one of Europe’s most visited countries. Cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence attract millions of tourists each year. Art, history, fashion, and cuisine drive year-round demand.
EasyJet’s increased focus on Italian routes reflects this sustained popularity. The airline is aligning capacity with destinations that show consistent travel interest.
EasyJet Holidays Gains Momentum
EasyJet’s holiday division is also showing strong growth. The company expects this segment to expand by up to 15% during the year. Packaged holidays remain popular with families and first-time travelers.
These packages combine flights, hotels, and local experiences. They offer convenience and cost control, which many travelers now prefer.
Boost for Mediterranean Destinations
EasyJet Holidays supports tourism growth in Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Beach destinations in these countries remain top choices for summer travel.
The rise in package bookings benefits local economies. Hotels, tour operators, and seasonal workers all gain from increased visitor numbers.
Capacity Growth Planned for 2026
Looking ahead, EasyJet plans to increase capacity by around 7% in 2026. More seats and higher flight frequency will improve travel options across Europe.
This expansion signals confidence in sustained demand. It also supports tourism recovery in both established and emerging destinations.
Focus on Affordable and Flexible Travel
EasyJet continues to focus on low fares and flexible booking options. These features appeal to travelers facing changing schedules and budget pressures.
Operational efficiency remains a priority. Better aircraft use and improved on-time performance help keep costs under control.
Positive Signs for European Tourism
EasyJet’s strong bookings and network growth reflect broader recovery trends in European tourism. Travelers are planning earlier and traveling more frequently.
City breaks, beach holidays, and cultural trips are all seeing strong demand. Airlines and destinations alike are preparing for a busy year ahead.
Outlook Points to a Strong Travel Year
Despite short-term financial pressure, EasyJet enters 2026 with momentum. Early bookings, route expansion, and holiday growth support a positive outlook.
For travelers, this means more choice, better access, and competitive prices. For the tourism sector, it signals continued recovery and long-term growth across Europe.
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