Ryanair offers ‘rescue flights’ after EasyJet ceases all operations from UK airport

All EasyJet flights from the airport from 5 January have been cancelled

The airline's six routes from the airport will be stopping while all flights from 5 January 2027 onwards have been cancelled.

The airline have offered customers a refund or a free transfer, however, Ryanair is also now throwing their hat into the ring.

Ryanair has taken a cheeky dig at EasyJet. Credit: Adobe Stock.

The famous orange, low-cost airline confirmed that it will cease all operations from Leeds Bradford Airport from the start of next year.

Current routes from Leeds include Paris, Geneva, Belfast, as well as popular summer destinations like Barcelona, Majorca and Malaga.

In response to this news, Ryanair has announced it will be launching 'rescue fares' from £29.99 for passengers affected particularly by one of the routes being axed.

In a statement yesterday, the airline said: "From today, Ryanair is offering rescue fares from just £29.99 on its Leeds Bradford – Malaga route, which can be booked now on Ryanair’s app/website.

"Ryanair operates 10 weekly flights between Leeds Bradford and Malaga, offering customers in Yorkshire and the North of England unbeatable connectivity at Europe’s lowest fares.

"These £29.99 rescue fares are available to book now until the end of February on Ryanair’s app/website."

Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said: “While EasyJet abandons Leeds Bradford, cutting its full schedule from 5 Jan 2027, Ryanair is saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 for affected passengers – particularly those booked to fly easyJet from Leeds Bradford to Malaga, who can now switch to one of Ryanair’s 10 Malaga services per week.

"Ryanair’s rescue fares are available to book now on the Ryanair app/website.”

The decision from EasyJet to axe these flights came following a review from the budget airline. 

A spokesperson apologised stating: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

"We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review.

Leeds Bradford Airport is the 13th busiest airport in the UK by passenger number. Credit: Adobe Stock.

They added that the company aims to provide “more choice and connectivity where we see demand.

"Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers."

Other budget airlines such as Ryanair and Jet2 are still running from, and to, Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport is the 13th busiest airport in the UK by the number of passengers it held, seeing about 4.5 million passengers come through its doors in 2025.

Although EasyJet operates from around 20 UK airports, it will soon cease all operations in Leeds Bradford Airport.