EasyJet has added a new route from Bristol Airport to Malta as it continues to ramp up its summer flight schedule.

The airline said the service to the Mediterranean island would return next year, operating twice weekly from April 2024.

The new flights are among 12 new routes to beach and city destinations that the budget carrier has added to its UK network for summer 2024, with routes to Spain, Cyprus and Tunisia also added.

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Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing back our service between Bristol and Malta for next summer and taking our network at the airport from strength to strength so that we can offer our customers in the South West even more great-value choice.

“The Mediterranean is a firm favourite among UK holiday makers and with such a fantastic variety of things to see and do on the island of Malta, we know this service will be popular with customers booking their next summer break and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”

Rupert Lawrie, commercial director at Bristol Airport, added: “We are delighted easyJet are adding Malta to its extensive route network available from Bristol Airport which is exciting news for our customers. This decision shows the strength of demand in the South West for customers wishing to travel, and it will help boost tourism and economic growth for the region through inbound opportunities.

“Malta is a beautiful and enchanting destination with rich history, stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture. The destination opens up further choice and flexibility of flights available to customers in the region selecting to fly from their local airport. This additional easyJet route demonstrates the long-term collaboration and joint growth strategy between easyJet and Bristol Airport.”

Bristol Airport is currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation, with a £3.5m revamp of its air traffic control tower and work on a new £60m multi-storey car park and public transport interchange both underway.

The airport is looking to expand its capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers a year.