easyJet, the UK’s largest airline has announced it will be launching a new route from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik in Croatia next year.

From May 1st 2009, easyJet passengers will be able take a flight on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, which will cost from £29.99 one way. The airline company also revealed it would be launching new routes to Larnaca, Naples and Santorini from March and May next year.

Last week, BAA announced that passenger numbers at Gatwick in November were down 13.5 per cent on the same month last year, but easyJet still sees potential growth for the UK’s second biggest airport.

David Osborne, easyJet's regional general manager for the UK, said the airline has grown dramatically at London Gatwick over the last few years by offering its familiar combination of low-fares with care and convenience.

"With our summer 2009 flights also now on sale there has never been a better time to make sure you book summer early and save big. Today's announcement will further strengthen our position at London Gatwick," he added.

This is also good news for travellers to Montenegro as Dubrovnik airport is only 20 minutes from the Montenegrin border.