EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren has confirmed that the low-cost carrier is considering adding Heathrow Airport to its route map, despite its reputation as one of the world’s most expensive airports. The airline already operates from major hubs in European capitals such as Paris and Amsterdam and sees flying into Heathrow as an important part of its business model. Lundgren emphasized that any future easyJet presence at Heathrow would need to be of a certain size to ensure profitability, as airport operational costs are typically spread across multiple routes and frequencies.
The main obstacle preventing easyJet from expanding to Heathrow is the airport’s limited capacity. With just two runways, Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 200 global destinations. Strict control over landing slots means that any airline looking to operate at Heathrow would face challenges in securing the necessary permissions. Previously, airlines have paid millions of dollars for landing rights at Heathrow, making it a costly investment for low-cost carriers like easyJet.
Despite the challenges, Lundgren hinted that easyJet could potentially enter Heathrow if the right opportunity presents itself. The CEO mentioned that a potential airline failure and the subsequent redistribution of landing slots could open up an opportunity for easyJet to establish a presence at the airport. However, Lundgren appeared to rule out the possibility of paying premium prices for landing slots, suggesting that the airline would need to wait for a more favorable scenario to make a move.
If easyJet were to enter Heathrow, it would compete directly with British Airways, which currently has a near-monopoly on domestic flights from the airport. Lundgren mentioned that adding domestic connectivity to Heathrow would benefit both the airport and passengers, as British Airways currently offers limited low-cost options for domestic routes. EasyJet already has a significant presence at other London airports such as Gatwick and Luton, making Heathrow the final piece of the puzzle in the airline’s London airport network.
Currently, Vueling and Eurowings are the only low-cost carriers serving European routes from Heathrow, both of which are affiliated with major airline groups. EasyJet, as an independently run operator, would have to navigate the complex process of acquiring landing rights independently. Lundgren’s comments suggest that while easyJet is interested in serving Heathrow, the airline will need to wait for the right conditions and opportunities to make a move. As Heathrow slots are allocated twice a year by a neutral organization, easyJet will have to strategically plan its entry into the airport to ensure success and profitability.
