LONDON – EasyJet has reported a surge in bookings from UK customers following the country’s decision to remove pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements.
While overall sales have jumped by almost 200% week on week, to some destinations the increase is up to four times, the low-cost carrier said.
Flights to Tenerife, Alicante, Malaga, and Lanzarote have proved to be “most in-demand” with bookings to Lanzarote up 427% week on week.
The research released by the airline shows that UK customers plan to spend more on holidays in 2022 compared to previous years.
A third is planning to spend over £1,000, and half say they plan to travel more than usual as a result of having had their travel plans disrupted by travel restrictions.
“With two-thirds of Brits favoring a sunny beach break holiday, it comes as no surprise that Spain proved to be the number one destination that Brits are most looking forward to traveling to,” says EasyJet.
“Just as many want to try somewhere new (44%) as those looking to return to their favorite destination (43%) in 2022.”
The research results are from a survey of 2,000 holidaymakers following the UK government’s relaxation of travel rules.
On 4 January, British authorities removed the need for pre-departure tests and enabled travelers to use a single lateral-flow test on their return.
EasyJet is also ramping up capacity for summer 2022 with additional seats on sale from London Gatwick. In total, the airline will operate 79 aircraft from Gatwick in the summer.
“We know that there is pent-up demand, with many desperate to get away this year, which we continue to see each time restrictions are removed,” stated chief commercial officer Sophie Dekkers.
“This survey further underlines the fact that people want to make up for lost time as soon as they can and so we welcome the government’s decision to remove the unnecessary and costly pre-departure testing for travelers, now only requiring one lateral-flow test on arrival.”
“This will make travel much simpler and easier and means our customers can book with confidence and are hopeful that completely restriction-free travel will return soon.”
This is of course good news for the carrier as it will now seek to look away from the COVID-19 pandemic quite happily.
