EasyJet to launch first-ever UK flight to European holiday hotspot – thanks to brand new airport
A BUDGET airline is launching flights from a major UK airport to an Italian hotspot.
Low-cost airline easyJet is set to operate a brand-new route between London Gatwick and a newly-revamp airport in Italy.
The airline will fly twice weekly from London Gatwick to Pontecagnano (Salerno) Airport, which is currently undergoing a huge £400million renovation.
Known for its winding roads, colourful fishing villages, and rugged cliffs, holidaymakers from the UK can only reach the Amalfi Coast by landing at Napoli Airport.
From Napoli Airport, it's a 50-minute drive to Salerno - although journeys to the Amalfi Coast can take a lot longer on public transport.
According to Travel Gossip, easyJet will become the first UK airline to operate commercial flights to Salerno Airport.
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From July, twice-weekly flights will depart every Tuesday and Saturday, with one-way tickets starting from £27.99.
Ali Gayward, easyJet Country Manager, commented: "We are particularly excited to welcome a new destination to our network, with a unique connection from the UK to Salerno’s Amalfi coast airport serving one of the most iconic, scenic parts of Italy from London Gatwick."
Over half a billion Euros (£429m) has been pumped into redeveloping Salerno Airport.
A longer runway will be built as part of the expansion, as well as five new boarding gates.
More than €250million (£214million) has been spent on the development of the commercial structures inside the airport.
Other developments are also underway in the local area, including a new metro, with five new stops, which will flank the Salerno Battipaglia railway line.
Designer, Alfonso Femia, from the architectural company responsible for creating the airport previously said: "The terminal should be an integral part of the passengers' journey and exploration of the region, the beginning and end of their experience."
In addition to easyJet, budget airline Ryanair is also rumoured to be launching flights between the UK and Salerno - although nothing has been confirmed.
The Pinelli Group previously said: "We hope to hear more information regarding which airlines will fly to Salerno, Italy.
"We’ll keep an eye on Ryanair for flights to Salerno Airport from the UK in the coming year."
Before its closure, the airport used to operate flights to Ibiza, Corfu and Malta.
Other new routes
EasyJet isn't the only airline launching a new route this year.
Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.
Meanwhile, British Airways will be resuming flights from London Stansted for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The flag carrier has confirmed three new routes will depart from the London airport, with prices starting at £36 for a one-way ticket.
Budget airline Ryanair is launching flights to Spain, Portugal, and Malta, from Norwich Airport.
As it stands, the airport only serves a handful of foreign destinations, which means the Ryanair expansion is great news for holidaymakers in East Anglia.
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The flights will run on both Mondays and Fridays, according to the aviation website Simple Flying.
Ryanair is also launching flights from Cornwall Airport and Cardiff Airport, with new routes to Paris and Faro among some of those announced.
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