The company has already started the search for a successor just as the airline industry battles to recover from the devastating impact on travel of the coronavirus pandemic.
easyJet is desperate to start flying at scale again this summer, but COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and worries over the spread of the Indian variant in Britain are threatening to hamper the hoped-for travel bounce back.
The news of Barton's departure was first reported by Sky News, which said the airline had noted a nine-year term is the recommended maximum in corporate governance, said Barton remained fully committed to his role. An emailed statement said it had hired an executive search agency to help find a successor and ensure an orderly transition.
easyJet will report results for the six months to the end of March on Thursday. It has guided investors to expect pandemic restrictions on flying will push it to a loss of between £690 million and £730 million.
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