Holidaymakers who are already planning ahead for their summer trip can add two new locations to their list of options.
This is because budget airline easyJet is launching two new routes - which first went on sale earlier this week. Travellers will now be able to fly from Edinburgh to Catania and from Glasgow to Porto.
Flights to Porto will take off on March 31, 2023 and to Catania on June 2, 2023. Both routes will operate twice-weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, and rates will start at £29.99.
The airline says the routes provide customers in Scotland the chance to relax on some of the best beaches in Europe. EasyJet is also improving its Scottish operations, having made the decision to base a ninth aircraft at Edinburgh from next summer.
Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK Country Manager, commented: "I am delighted to be announcing new routes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow today, providing our Scottish customers with more direct links to more of Europe's most popular city and beach destinations next summer.
"And with flights for autumn 2023 on sale tomorrow, customers can also book early for next autumn and snap up the best fares across our network to find a great-value getaway or October half term holiday."
Kate Sherry, Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport, said: "Italy continues to be a country that people wish to explore and sample some of the finest food that Europe has to offer and adding a destination like Catania offers that and much more.
"From amazing views and a mix of history, culture and modern Italy, it’s a city that quite rightly appears on many wish lists and we’re happy to see easyJet expand its offering at Edinburgh Airport."
Speaking about the route to Porto, Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at AGS Airport’s Ltd, which owns Glasgow Airport, said: "We are very excited by the news that easyJet will launch this summer route to Porto, particularly given it is a brand-new destination for Glasgow Airport.
"The introduction of a twice-weekly service from 31 March will be welcome news for Scottish leisure travellers looking to visit and explore one of Portugal’s most historic coastal cities."
This comes as recent research from the airline revealed that 64 percent of Brits plan to fly abroad in 2023. Protecting holiday spend remains a priority for most as 70 percent will prioritise a holiday over other expenditure in their yearly budget
The easyJet UK Country Manager noted: "We know that holidays are important to people, not only does travelling connect friends and family but it offers a wealth of benefits, from promoting wellbeing to experiencing new cultures.
"The results of our survey just go to show what a priority it is for people, with so many determined to protect their holidays.
"With our low fares and unrivalled European network, easyJet is ideally placed to offer a fantastic value and great quality holiday that people don’t have to compromise on. It is fantastic to see that so many consumers plan to travel next year already, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard."
easyJet’s autumn 2023 schedule is now on sale with seats across tens of thousands of flights between 1 October and 30 November 2023 available for customers to book early at low fares.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
