BUDGET airline easyJet today announced plans begin flying on three longer routes out of Stansted next year, to Marrakech, Sharm el Sheikh and Sofia.

The low-cost carrier will also move larger A320 aircraft to Stansted, providing a capacity of 180 seats on the new routes.

From February 15, easyJet will fly year-round to Marrakech three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It will also operate a year-round twice weekly service to Sharm el Sheikh on Thursday and Sunday, starting on February 17.

The new Sofia route will operate twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday, with the first flight on the February 16.

Nick Barton, Stansted’s managing director, said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for both easyJet and Stansted Airport and will provide passengers with even greater choice and more exciting destinations.

“We’re delighted to add Sharm el-Sheikh and Sofia to our scheduled route network for the first time as well as seeing a welcome return of Marrakesh as we believe there is a real and significant demand for flights to these destinations.

“Stansted and easyJet have enjoyed a long and successful partnership and have already flown over 55 million passengers together,” he added.

“With our commitment to help passengers reach their destination on-time with the minimum of fuss coupled with easyJet’s excellent fares and great service, I’m sure these exciting new routes will prove to be very popular with passengers and a great addition to our route network.”

Flights on the new easyJet routes out of Stansted will go on sale on Thursday, November 1.