Eight new routes are being opened from Luton airport over two weeks as 2014 is on track for to be the busiest in its 76-year history.
The services include six by easyJet as part of a 10-year deal with the airport struck in March, which will see the budget airline increase capacity by 20% over the next year.
Flights to Rome and Naples are being introduced this week followed by Munich, Copenhagen and Lyon on November 3 and Basel on November 7. The Copenhagen link will be the first scheduled route to Denmark from Luton.
Eastern European carrier Wizz Air introduced new connections to Poprad in Slovakia and Szczecin in Poland this week.
The airport recently won the green light for a £100 million redevelopment to raise annual passenger capacity from 12 million to 18 million a year by 2026.
The plans include an expanded terminal, better rail and other surface transport links and improvements for passengers, including additional screening lanes to reduce waiting times.
The changes are forecast to increase the airport’s annual economic impact by £283 million to £1.2 billion a year and create more than 5,000 new jobs.
Business development manager, Simon Harley, said: “The new routes mean we’re giving more choice to more passengers than ever before and cements our position as a leading airport serving passengers from London to the East Midlands.
“Our strategy to drive passenger numbers through new routes and new carriers is paying off and gives us a great platform from which to launch our ambitious redevelopment programme.”