EasyJet may offer Heathrow routes 'if the price is right'

As easyJet celebrated its 30th anniversary yesterday, the airline's boss said London Heathrow is a target – but only if the price is right.

- SIMON CALDER

The maiden flight of Britain's biggest budget airline took off from Luton airport to Glasgow on 10 November 1995. Over the past three decades, easyJet has expanded to serve 164 airports in 38 countries - but not Heathrow, the busiest aviation hub in Europe.

The west London airport has government support for a third runway, which would increase the number of available takeoff and landing "slots" by 54 per cent.

EasyJet's chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, told The Independent: "It's probably the only major capital airport we're not in. Heathrow is the obvious blank spot, though Gatwick serves us well with around 70 aircraft, Luton 25, and Southend newly reopened. We have about 100 aircraft in the London area.