EasyJet reports ‘surge’ in ski bookings as peaks sale drives demand

EasyJet has reported an “early surge” in bookings for January ski breaks with Austria seeing “a jump in popularity” compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

Innsbruck and Salzburg bookings rose while France and Italy also proved popular among customers, according to the budget carrier.

EasyJet expanded its ski flying programme by 30% in 2022 against 2021 and claims to offer more seats on ski routes than any other UK airline.

More: EasyJet holidays unveils ‘biggest ever’ trade campaign for peaks

The airline claimed to fill an aircraft a minute at peak booking times during its ‘Big Orange Sale’ which launched on December 22.

The sale offers up to 20% off a million seats and up to £300 off package holidays with easyJet holidays.

Flights to north African destinations – such as Tunisia and Egypt – have seen the greatest rise in popularity, the carrier said.

Demand for Morocco has also increased compared to before the pandemic. Elsewhere, customers are also choosing to book trips to Greek destinations such as Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Santorini, and Zante.

Other in-demand destinations include Tirana, Albania, and Tivat, Montenegro. EasyJet said these destinations “offer an alternative to Italy and Croatia for those wishing to explore the Adriatic coast as well as Dalaman and Antalya in Turkey.

Research carried out by the airline last month showed around 64% of Britons were planning to prioritise a trip abroad next year.

Following the launch of the Big Orange Sale, package holiday bookings with in-house operator easyJet holidays increased by more than 230%.

All-inclusive breaks are in the highest demand, with Tenerife proving the most popular overall destination and Amsterdam being the city destination of choice, the operator said.

EasyJet UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “It’s great to see a return to this traditionally busy booking period with north Africa seeing a resurgence in popularity alongside the Greek Islands and hidden gems like Montenegro and Albania.

“The popularity of package holidays with easyJet holidays also shows no sign of slowing down with many customers opting for all-inclusive breaks as the top holiday choice for 2023.

“With flights across over 120 destinations from the UK to choose from across Europe, north Africa and the Middle East, and package holidays available to over 5,000 hotels, now is a great time to book a short-haul trip with easyJet, and we look forward to taking even more of our customers away in 2023.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair revealed Lanzarote, Lisbon and Malaga as its top three holiday destinations from the UK in 2022.

More: EasyJet holidays launches booking portal for travel agents