EasyJet intensifies the battle between budget airlines

EasyJet is to go head to head with Gatwick newcomer bmibaby by launching a rival route to Prague. As part of plans to add seven new routes this summer, easyJet is increasing its network from Gatwick to 20 destinations. The announcement came just hours after bmibaby unveiled Gatwick as its London base with flights to the Czech Republic capital and Cork from April 30. But Easyjet intensified the battle between the budget airlines by unveiling expansion which will see its network rise to 135 routes. Other new easyJet services are: Stansted to Basel and Ljubljana in Slovenia; Luton to Budapest; and Gatwick to Faro, Ibiza, Naples and Prague. Further route expansion is expected as the Luton-based no-frills carrier adds five Boeing 737s and 15 Airbus A319s this summer, bringing its fleet up to 90 aircraft. Flights to Hungary and Slovenia start on May 1 to coincide with the countries’ entry to the European Union. Flight prices start at £30.98 return to both Budapest and Ljubljana. Daily services from Gatwick to Faro, Naples and Prague start on April 23, with Ibiza added on June 3. Report by Phil Davies