EasyJet Launches Flights to Kos

Thursday, 21, January, 2010 at 19:19:13

As the travel industry takes a bashing from the economic downturn, airlines and tour operators are decreasing the number of flights leaving certain airports in an attempt to save money due to a lack of demand for their services. It is refreshing to see that budget airline EasyJet has taken advantage of the situation by offering its flights to a number of new destinations. Of course, we are only interested in Kos, so how will this affect you and the resort of Kardamena?

Traditional charter airlines will face fresh competition on this key summer route, meaning those able to fly to and from Gatwick this summer should see a fall in prices.

By flying with EasyJet you only get the flights; no transfers, accommodation or tour operator rep. While this may be enough to deter many from going down this route, it doesn't need to! Accommodation in Kardamena (and Kos as a whole) is plentiful! All you need to do is fly, get a cab from the airport to Kardamena, get a drink in the first bar that takes your fancy and ask the owner / staff if they recommend somewhere - and you're in! Bar owners and their families often have their own accommodation for rent, and if they don't, I guarentee that their friends will!  Of course, you can always book your accommodation online through the usual sites (you'll find plenty of advice and agents on this site!)

EasyJet currently offer four flights a week to Kos (and Zakynthos too) from Gatwick. Prices start from £41.99 one way. Don't think that you're going to be flying on a rundown plane either, the services will be operated by new Airbus 320 aircraft due to arrive at the Gatwick this spring.

So who do we have to thank for making all this possible? Business owners in Kos have been grumbling about the lack of budget airline flights from the UK when many other popular resorts have had no frills flights to and from the UK for years.

Facebook group 'Petition to get Easyjet to fly to Kos' was created by Ian Stokoe in July 2008. The group has past and future visitors, business owners, fans of Kos in general as well as an EasyJet representative, as members. On hearing the news, founder Ian, thanked all group members and assured them that EasyJet was 'fully aware' of the group and hoped that his petition had helped somewhat.

Good news all round then, especially as today EasyJet stated it is forecasting a 'substantial' improvement in full-year profits as revenues increased and passenger numbers jumped by 9% to 11 million, businesses in Kos will be looking forward to seeing some of the extra visitors to their bars, hotels and shops!