Easyjet is reducing the number of flights it operates at Rome’s largest airport and expanding its bases at Milan and Naples.
The budget airline is blaming higher airport passenger charges which have doubled since 2012, poor passenger experience and poor customer satisfaction levels at Rome Fiumicino for the decision.
It’s the latest blow for the airport after the hub was a hit by a fire last month which has resulted in capacity being cut to 60 per cent.
As well as expanding operations at other Italian airports Easyjet will open new bases in Barcelona and Venice next year.
The airline's Barcelona base will open in February, with three Airbus aircraft based there, with the base at Venice Marco Polo airport following suit in April with four Airbus aircraft.
Milan Malpensa is Easyjet's second largest base, with 18 aircraft currently — from April, a further three jets will be based there. The same month a fourth aircraft will join the three currently at Naples.
CEO Carolyn McCall said: "Easyjet has grown steadily in Italy in recent years in terms of investment and jobs and will base 29 aircraft in the country next year, employing over 1000 pilots, cabin crew and other staff and supporting thousands more direct and indirect jobs."
Frances Ouseley, Easyjet's Italy director, added: "Easyjet will base 29 aircraft in Italy next year and plans to carry over 15 million passengers on the country's best European network serving over 170 routes."
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