Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean is a popular summer holiday destination for British families. UK holidaymakers make up over 50% of Cypriot tourist numbers but those numbers have been falling due to current economic conditions and the weakness of £ Sterling against the € Euro.
EasyJet recently named Larnaca among its four new routes from London Gatwick for summer 2009; other new budget flight destinations include Naples, Dubrovnik and Santorini. The announcement has brought a smile to the face of both budget-conscious holidaymakers and those involved in the Cypriot tourist industry.
Cheap Flights to Cyprus
Budget airlines like EasyJet have previously avoided Cyprus as a destination, mainly due to the 4.5 hour flying time from the United Kingdom which did not fit with a low cost airline’s business model. But EasyJet’s Cypriot-born founder and current owner Stelios Haji-Ioannou could not resist pressure to offer flights to his mother country indefinitely. Flights to Larnaca will start at only £39.99 one way inclusive of all taxes and airport fees.
EasyJet already operates flights from Gatwick to Paphos airport, situated on the west of the island, as a result of EasyJet’s acquisition of GB Airways in 2008. The addition of a Cyprus cheap flight from Gatwick to Larnaca will further reinforce the Easy brand on the island.
Cheap Cyprus Holidays
Cash-strapped British consumers can still justify a summer holiday with the introduction of these new cheap airfares to Larnaca.
As David Osborne, EasyJet’s UK regional general manager recently commented, "EasyJet has grown dramatically at London Gatwick over the last few years by offering its familiar combination of low-fares with care and convenience. There has never been a better time to make sure you book your summer holiday early and save big!"
EasyJet’s Flight Schedule to Larnaca
Flights to and from Larnaca will operate four days per week on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights can be booked either one way or return and customers can also benefit from cheap car hire and cheap hotel prices when they book online.
Early bookers can also benefit from ultra cheap hotel prices at easyHotel’s new hotel due to open In Larnaca in summer 2009 even though the cheap airfare may release cash to stay at a luxury Cyprus hotel.
Flying with EasyJet
Budget airlines operate on a no-thrills basis to keep costs down. EasyJet has a baggage allowance of 20kg per person but this costs £6 extra. Excess baggage costs £6 per kilo for baggage pre-booked online. Customers can only choose their seat once through the boarding gate although an additional "speedy boarding" fee of £7.50 allows you through the gate first to get a better choice of seats.
Book Cyprus Budget Flights
Despite the no-thrills restrictions and potential extra baggage costs, EasyJet’s budget flight prices should bring a boost to the Cypriot tourist industry and please budget-conscious holidaymakers heading to Cyprus this summer. Book online now at EasyJet.com
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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