Southampton Airport has launched the first easyJet flight to Alicante - with more destinations to come.

The departure took place earlier today, on Easter Sunday, and marks the first time that Southampton residents and travellers can take a flight to the Spanish city.  

The service to the popular hotspot is the first of three summer routes at Southampton Airport by easyJet – one of Europe’s biggest airlines.

Further services to Palma in Majorca will start on Monday, April 29, operating twice weekly, followed by Faro in Portugal’s Algarve region, which begins on Thursday, June 6.

The Alicante service will operate on the following times every Sunday until October 20:

  • Departing Southampton at 20.20pm and arriving in Alicante at 11.40pm local time
  • Departing Alicante at 6.20pm local time and arriving in Southampton at 7.50pm

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are delighted to be launching a new route from Southampton to Alicante today, providing our customers in the south of England with more choice when planning their summer holiday.

“Whether they are looking for a cultural city break or to relax on the beaches of the Costa Blanca, there is something for everyone.”

The airport said that easyJet’s new route gives customers in Southampton more choice and connectivity for their summer holiday.

The crew and passengers departing for Alicante today were each given a tasty treat to mark the start of the scheduled service on Easter Sunday.

Gavin Williams, Operations Director at Southampton Airport, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the first of easyJet’s three summer routes to the airport.

“While Alicante is a fantastic destination in its own right, it is also a great jumping off point for holidaymakers keen to explore the wider Costa Blanca area.

“The addition of these easyJet services at Southampton will deliver yet more choice and convenience for those from the Central South region looking to head abroad for some much-needed sun from their local airport.”