The operator’s first summer guests arrived in Rhodes at the weekend, with Santorini due to launch this coming weekend. Customers were welcomed with a water cannon salute, goodie bangs and flags, and were serenaded by a live band.

"We’ve extended our summer season to become the first major tour operator to open for summer 2023," claimed easyJet holidays director of customer and operations Matt Callaghan.

EasyJet said bringing forward the launch of its summer season had come in response to demand, and had created opportunities for agents to tap this demand with many clients still looking to book late.

The carrier’s in-house operator has added more than 30 hotels to its programme over the past two months, with plans to add in excess of another 50.

Istanbul city breaks were the latest addition to its portfolio on Tuesday (14 March), a first for the operator.

Callaghan added the extended season would also bring sustainability plusses for local businesses and partners by dispersing visitors more evenly throughout the season.