The airline faces continued competition from budget rivals

The Luton-based outfit said it carried 2.44 million passengers last month, up from 1.95 million in April 2004.

The airline said load factor, which shows how many seats are filled on flights, was 85.2%.

The airline also announced the establishment of Basel as a base airport, its second Swiss base.

Taking into account the effect of Easter falling in March rather than April this year, underlying market conditions have remained unchanged Ray Webster, Easyjet chief executive Check Easyjet's share price

During April, the airline took delivery of its 37th Airbus A319 - taking its fleet up to 100 aircraft.

Easyjet has said previously that it would cut back its fleet expansion plans to 16% this year, instead of 24% as previously planned.

The airline has expanded its short-haul European routes in the past 12 months but is in a stiff fares battle with other budget airlines.

"Taking into account the effect of Easter falling in March rather than April this year, underlying market conditions have remained unchanged," chief executive Ray Webster said in a statement.

Last week no-frills competitor Ryanair reported a 24% jump in April passengers.