Low cost carrier easyJet plans to discontinue operations between Geneva and Skopje from the start of the 2024/25 winter season, marking an end to three years of continual service to the Macedonian capital. The airline has scheduled its final flight between the two cities for November 1. Ticket sales have been discontinued thereafter. It is unclear if the airline may restore operations to Skopje over the summer of 2025, although this is unlikely after it ended ticket sales on the route for next year as well. However, changes remain possible. The airline is the only operator between Geneva and Skopje.
easyJet reduced its operations on the route this year. In the summer of 2023, flights were operated four times per week between June and October and twice per week for the rest of the year, while services are being maintained twice per week over the summer peak this year. easyJet entered the Macedonian market in November 2021 buoyed by the quick recovery of the Visiting Friends and Relatives sector during the coronavirus pandemic. Wizz Air, which dominates in Skopje, is unable to maintain services between Switzerland and Macedonia – two non-European Union members – as flights between the two are regulated through bilateral agreements. Its operations to Basel are considered as being performed to France. On the other hand, easyJet has a Swiss subsidiary.
easyJet previously said it was unfazed by Wizz Air’s presence on the Macedonian market and would only operate flights to the country if there was sufficient demand. “easyJet is focused on its successful strategy to expand across Europe and operates in the best interests of the company and its customers ensuring the attractiveness of its network. This means the airline concentrates its efforts on maintaining and developing routes which prove popular with passengers. We consider competition only in regards of tactic opportunities that can be complementary to our strategy”, the airline said at the time. Within the former Yugoslavia, easyJet serves Geneva from Pristina twice per day this summer, peaking at seventeen weekly in July and August. It also operates services to the Swiss city from Belgrade three times per week. Both are served on a year-round basis. It also maintains seasonal summer flights from Geneva to Dubrovnik, Pula, Split and Tivat.
