EasyJet to launch Birmingham flights to Agadir next week

EasyJet is launching a new route from Birmingham Airport to Agadir in Morocco next week, adding another winter sun destination to the airport's growing list.

The airline announced the route, along with package holidays, in April. Flights start on Tuesday 27 October and will run twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with fares from £21.99 each way.

"Great value fares"

When the route was announced, Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, said: "We are delighted to announce a new service from Birmingham to Agadir, providing our customers in the Midlands with another connection to Morocco at great value fares."

"Our continued success in the Midlands is a clear testament to the continued popularity of our flights and holidays, and the growth of our fleet with an additional aircraft in Birmingham this summer will further unlock the opportunity of the demand that we see for both leisure and business travel."

Winter sun

Agadir, on Morocco's Atlantic coast, is known for its long sandy beaches and mild winters, with temperatures regularly reaching around 25C even in November. Its main beach stretches for about 10 kilometres in a sheltered golden crescent, backed by a palm-lined promenade of cafes, restaurants and hotels, and the town is popular with surfers in the colder months.

It has also gained a reputation as one of the more affordable winter sun destinations, with meals and drinks typically cheaper than in Marrakech.

A competitive market

The route adds to a busy winter schedule at Birmingham Airport, where low-cost airlines are competing hard for passengers. Earlier this week Ryanair said it was basing a ninth aircraft in Birmingham this winter, with new routes including Marrakesh, while easyJet added an extra Birmingham-based aircraft this summer.

Morocco has become an increasingly popular winter destination for British holidaymakers, helped by winter warmth and competitive prices. Flights from Birmingham to Agadir take about four hours.

For Birmingham Airport, which is consulting on a £2bn masterplan that aims to more than double passenger numbers by 2041, new routes from the big low-cost airlines are an important part of its plans for growth. Each new based aircraft and route brings extra jobs at the airport, as well as more choice for passengers in the Midlands who might otherwise travel to Manchester or London to fly.

Before you travel

British citizens do not normally need a visa for short holidays in Morocco, but passports must be valid for the length of the stay. Travellers are advised to check the latest government travel advice before booking, and to make sure they have travel insurance.

The airline's winter schedule from Birmingham runs until the end of March, when airlines switch to their summer timetables.