Easyjet will launch 15 new routes from Hamburg after it opens a base in the German city next spring, it has been announced.
The budget airline claims the move will double its passenger numbers in Hamburg — which will be its 23rd European base — to one million within a year.
Easyjet will open the base with three A319 aircraft, which will enable it to expand its current six routes to 15, offering almost 170 flights per week in summer 2014.
The carrier is also planning to serve an additional 130,000 passengers in Berlin when it adds another aircraft to its fleet of eight there next year.
Carolyn McCall, Easyjet's chief executive officer, said: "I am really pleased to be able to announce the launch of a new base in Hamburg which will enable us to double the size of our operation.
"Hamburg and its region is one of the most dynamic economies in Europe with a significant and growing tourist industry. In the last twelve months more than half a million passengers have enjoyed easyJet’s low fares combined with our friendly service.
"These expansion plans mean that we expect to carry twice as many passengers in the first year of operations which will take us to more than a million passengers annually for the first time."
Earlier this week, Easyjet revealed it will launch a route between London Southend airport and Tenerife in December (see news, September 25).
Graham Smith