easyJet has announced that after a thorough review of its Madrid operations it proposes to cease basing crew and aircraft at Madrid from Winter 2012/13.

The British low-cost airline intends to continue to serve Spain but to do so differently by moving its aircraft to other easyJet bases around its European network which will deliver higher returns.

The Madrid base is delivering returns below all of easyJet’s other bases.

This is due to a combination of over capacity in the Spanish airline market, leading to low revenue per passenger, combined with high airport charges which have more than doubled in the last two years and will be subject to further above inflation increases in the coming years.

The airline is now reviewing a range of options for its eight Madrid based aircraft and 310 crew. 

All of easyJet’s pilots and cabin crew in Madrid will be offered a job in the airline’s other bases and easyJet hopes to retain as many of its people as possible.

Any restructuring costs arising out of this proposal will be accounted for in the current financial year.