easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has today announced that it will operate a new route to Heraklion in Crete for the first time from Luton Airport. Supporting its pledge to make travel easy and affordable, fares on this new route start from as little as £44.99 (one-way including taxes). The inaugural flight will take off from Luton Airport on 21 April 2012 and will operate once a week.

Hugh Aitken, easyJet’s UK commercial manager, said: “Were delighted to be launching this new route to the sunshine destination of Heraklion in Crete. Crete remains a huge draw to British holidaymakers and the addition of easyJet flights from Luton Airport makes it even easier for travellers to visit this wonderful destination.”

Heraklion – the largest city in Crete and the airport where easyJet will fly to – provides short transfer times to popular resorts such as Malia and Agios Nikolaos.

Crete attracts thousands of holidaymakers for its spectacular mountains, hidden coves and Europe’s only palm tree forest beach which makes it a suitable destination for both independent adventurers and those after a relaxing break.

easyJet now carries more than five million passengers through Luton Airport each year and has 16 aircraft based there. It has grown to operate 35 routes including Istanbul, Palma De Mallorca, Cyprus, Barcelona and Munich.

Crete is the second new route to be announced from Luton Airport recently. Just last month the airline confirmed it will begin operating a new route to Corfu twice a week from 31 March 2012. Prices start from £37.99 and bookings are now being taken.