Budget airline, EasyJet, is today celebrating carrying 55 million passengers from Bristol Airport since launching operations there in 2002.

The airline now operates 74 routes and up to 740 flights a week out of Bristol - that's 10 per cent more flights compared to summer 2018 - making it the airline's largest UK base outside of London.

In what is set to be an important summer of expansion for EasyJet at the airport, the airline will base a 17th aircraft at Bristol and launches flights on five new routes to Rhodes in Greece, Montpellier and Biarritz, France as well as to Brindisi and Milan, Italy.

It's also adding routes from the city to popular destinations such as Lyon, Zakynthos, Belfast, Glasgow and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Adding an additional daily flight to and from the French capital provides a great value day trip for commuters from businesses across the South West.

Ali Gayward, UK country manager for EasyJet, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating flying over 55 million passengers from Bristol today, this is a fantastic milestone for us. Bristol is a key market for easyJet and we continue to be committed to sustainable growth at the airport.

"We have added a significant number of extra seats this summer which means we can continue to provide affordable, convenient connections for our customers whether they're travelling for business or leisure.

"I have to thank our fantastic customers who travel to and from Bristol for their loyalty and support. We remain excited about the future at Bristol."

Nigel Scott, business development director for Bristol Airport, said: "We are incredibly proud of EasyJet's growth and it is a demonstration of the successful partnership between easyJet and Bristol Airport.

"This year easyJet will base seventeen Airbus aircraft, operating 71 routes from Bristol Airport providing over 600 jobs to easyJet employees on site.

"We look forward to further development of the long-standing relationship between both companies and extending the route network in the future."