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easyJet Bets Big on UK Travel Demand with Fresh Lisbon Links for Summer 2026

easyJet (U2) is significantly expanding its network between Lisbon and the United Kingdom following a sustained travel demand ahead of the Summer 2026 season. The airline’s latest schedule introduces new routes and increased frequencies, strengthening connectivity between Portugal’s capital and key UK cities.

Photo: BriYYZ, Wikimedia Commons

New Lisbon–Glasgow Route Strengthens Scottish Connectivity

A major highlight of the expansion is the introduction of direct flights between Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon (LIS) and Glasgow Airport (GLA), which began operations on 29 March 2026. According to The Portugal News, the route operates twice weekly, with departures scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays.

The same source also quoted the statement of the airline expressing its delight in the following way:

“With this reinforcement of operations from Humberto Delgado Airport, easyJet continues to expand its network in the British market, one of the main tourist markets for Portugal…“Bookings for the new routes, as well as for all summer 2026 flights, are already available at easyJet.com and on the company’s mobile app.”

Photo: BOSSHEP, Wikimedia Commons

FlightRoutes indicates that easyJet is the only airline offering non-stop flights on this route, while British Airways, KLM, and Aer Lingus offer one-stop flight connection on the Lisbon Glasgow route. easyJet’s flight time of nearly three hours is more than two times less than what the carriers with one-stop flight connections are offering.

Photo: Laurent ERRERA from L’Union, France |Wikimedia, Commons

easyJet is offering Services on its Airbus on the LIS-GLA route

easyJet’s services on its Airbus A319 and A320s enhances accessibility for both leisure and business travellers, providing Scottish passengers with a direct link to one of Southern Europe’s most popular destinations. Here’s a look at the carrier’s fleet:

Aircraft Type In Service Parked Current Total Avg. Age
Airbus A319 42 2 44 17.7 Years
Airbus A320 126 6 132 10.3 Years
Airbus A321 13 0 13 5.4 Years

Data: planespotters.net

FlightRoutes suggests that easyJet will be offering flights on the A319s on Wednesdays, and the A320s on Sundays.

Photo:Futurepilot1999 | Wikimedia Commons

How will easyJet configure the A319s in the Lisbon- Glasgow route?

easyJet’s A310 is configured with 156 seats, featuring a seat pitch of approximately 29 inches, a width of 18 inches, and no recline, as all seats are fixed in a pre-reclined position.

easyJet’s Airbus A319 typically operates in this 156-seat layout, although some aircraft have a reduced configuration of 150 seats. This adjustment allows the airline to operate with three cabin crew members instead of four, improving operational efficiency.

In terms of seating, the fleet is mixed: some aircraft retain older Weber seats, while others have been upgraded with slimmer Recaro seats designed to provide slightly improved knee room despite the dense configuration.

The cabin includes two lavatories—one located at the front and another at the rear of the aircraft.

Passengers seeking extra legroom may prefer seats 1A–1C, as these have no seat or bulkhead directly in front. However, these seats are positioned close to the galley and lavatory, which may result in increased foot traffic and noise.

Additional minor legroom—approximately one extra inch (2.5 cm)—is available on the left-hand side of rows leading up to the emergency exits. Exit rows 10 and 11 also offer increased legroom, though window seat passengers may experience noticeable cold drafts.

The least desirable seating is typically found in the final row, which lacks a window, features slightly narrower seats, and is located adjacent to the rear galley and lavatory.

Overall, the seat pitch ranges from 28 to 29 inches (71–74 cm), reflecting a relatively tight seating arrangement typical of low-cost carriers.

Photo: aeroprints.com | Wikimedia Commons

easyJet’s A320s operating between LIS-GLA

For travelers wishing to travel in easyJet’s A320-200s, here a look at how the carrier configures this aircraft type, as reported by Seat Maps:

  • Total Seats: 186
  • Seat Pitch: 28–29 inches (71–74 cm)
  • Seat Width: 18 inches
  • Recline: 0 inches (fixed pre-reclined seats)

Cabin Configuration & Features

  • Densified 186-seat layout achieved by:
    • Adding an extra row at the rear
    • Relocating lavatories from the rear to the galley area
  • Designed for efficiency, as operations require minimal galley space
  • Equipped with Recaro slimline seats, offering slightly improved knee room despite tight pitch

Best Seats

  • Emergency Exit Rows (12 & 13):
    • Provide extra legroom
    • Ideal for taller passengers
    • Window seats may experience cold drafts
  • First Row:
    • Noticeably more knee space
    • Feels less cramped
    • Close proximity to galley and lavatory may be inconvenient

Seats to Avoid

  • Last Row:
    • Narrower seats
    • No window on either side
    • Located near galley and lavatories
  • Row Ahead of Exit Rows:
    • Seats may be more upright
    • Limited recline due to safety regulations
Photo: Philip Haling | Wikimedia Commons

easyJet’s Liverpool and Newcastle Routes Expand Regional Access

In addition to Glasgow, easyJet has introduced new connections between Lisbon and Liverpool, with flights commencing on 31 March 2026 and operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Further expanding its UK footprint, the airline will launch a Lisbon–Newcastle route on 22 June 2026. This service will also operate twice weekly, with flights scheduled for Mondays and Fridays.

The Newcastle route is particularly notable as it coincides with easyJet’s broader investment in the region, including the reopening of its base and the addition of multiple new routes.

Data from FlightRoutes suggests that easyJet will only operate its A320s on both of these routes. easyJet has 82 aircraft of this type in its fleet and these average 13.2 years.

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