The suggestion of EZY at Southampton is, in my opinion fanciful thinking. I cant see EasyJet coming to Southampton for the following reasons, and in the following order;
- Flybe has such a large presence that it could lever pressure on the airport if it invited easyJet in on attractive terms, such terms that would be needed to make the operation inviting to easyJet. Rumours had its some years ago of an easyJet limited operation out of Exeter, but Flybe opposition put paid to this development ( circa 2005 if I'm not mistaken)
- Proximity to Gatwick: easyJet would be unlikely to consider Southampton in the context of the scale of the LGW operation, though a few routes could be warranted, like GVA for eg.
- Physical limitations of the airport ie parking stands, though I do understand that 319 could fly in and out comfortably.
Would be an enormous step forward for the airport to attract such an airline though.