New Route of the Day (17 April 2023): easyJet between Lyon and La Rochelle

easyJet introduced a new domestic service within France on Monday 17 April by launching flights between Lyon and La Rochelle. The 490-kilometre service will be maintained 3-weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using the A319 aircraft. Frequencies will be reduced to 2-weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, during July and August. The LCC faces no competition on the route.

What they said

Thomas Juin, the Director of La Rochelle Airport, said: “These flights are operated nonstop with the Airbus A319 aircraft that has the capacity to seat 156 passenger. The fares are attractive, and the route is aimed at a wide audience including businesspeople, those travelling for leisure and tourism, as well as those who wish to visit family or friends. This service will also allow customers from the Rhône-Alpes region, which has the second largest population after Ile-de-France, to easily connect to our region."

La Rochelle operating as PSO route

easyJet is maintaining the Lyon to La Rochelle service as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route. The original contract for the flights was awarded to Chalair in 2019 for a period of four years. However, the airline withdrew from the service early. Local authorities then awarded the contract to easyJet on a temporary basis up to 27 October 2023 until a long-term solution is found.

easyJet already boasts a presence in La Rochelle with seasonal flights to Bristol, Geneva, London LGW, Manchester and Nice. La Rochelle is located on the west coast of France and serves as a seaport on the Bay of Biscay. It has a population of just over 75,000. La Rochelle - Île de Ré Airport is also served by Ryanair, in addition to easyJet.