Budget airline EasyJet is launching a new direct route from Bristol Airport to the historic, UNESCO-listed city of Strasbourg in France, home to one of the oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe. The service will commence on November 20, 2026, and operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, making EasyJet the sole carrier providing a direct connection between Bristol and Strasbourg.
Strasbourg: A Festive Destination
Strasbourg's Christmas market, running from November 27 to December 27, 2026, transforms the city with festive lights, traditional stalls, and mulled wine. The city is renowned for its stunning Gothic cathedral, picturesque canals, and world-class gastronomy, attracting millions of visitors annually. EasyJet's new route taps into strong demand for festive travel from the South West, offering a convenient gateway to this European gem.
EasyJet's Growing Bristol Base
The Strasbourg announcement comes just days after the airline confirmed it is expanding its presence at Bristol Airport by adding its 20th aircraft to the base. This expansion is expected to support approximately 400 jobs, underscoring EasyJet's commitment to the region. Kevin Doyle, EasyJet's UK country manager, stated: "We are delighted to be adding Strasbourg to our Bristol network, offering customers in the South West a new unique destination and we will be the only airline to provide a direct connection. Another route addition demonstrates our continued commitment to Bristol."
Record Route Network from Bristol
With Strasbourg joining the roster, EasyJet now offers 91 routes from Bristol to 27 countries across Europe and North Africa, serving around six million customers each year. Recent additions include Reus, Thessaloniki, Seville, Cape Verde, and Bari, with Budapest flights starting in winter 2026. "With 90 routes now available (prior to Strasbourg), we remain focused on providing greater choice, strengthening regional connectivity and making travel easy and affordable for millions of customers," added Mr. Doyle.
Bristol Airport's Perspective
Rupert Lawrie, commercial director at Bristol Airport, welcomed the new service: "The introduction of direct flights from Bristol Airport to Strasbourg gives customers the opportunity to discover one of France's most beautiful and historic cities. Strasbourg is renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque canals, world-class restaurants, and is home to one of Europe's oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets." He added: "EasyJet's continued investment at Bristol Airport reflects the demand for travel from our region and provides even greater choice for customers, enabling them to enjoy an even wider range of destinations from their local airport."
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The new route enhances Bristol Airport's status as a key hub in the South West, offering direct links to diverse destinations. The additional aircraft and jobs signal ongoing growth, with EasyJet now operating one of the largest fleets at the airport. For passengers, the Strasbourg service provides a direct alternative to connecting flights, saving time and simplifying travel during the busy festive period. The airport continues to invest in infrastructure to support such expansions, aiming to boost tourism and business travel.
Booking and Flight Details
Flights are available for booking on EasyJet's website. The twice-weekly schedule (Mondays and Fridays) allows for long weekend getaways or midweek visits to the Christmas market. As the only direct operator on this route, EasyJet expects strong demand, particularly in the lead-up to December. With Bristol's catchment area covering several million people, the new service is poised to become a popular choice for festive travelers seeking a unique European experience.
