10 exciting new flight routes taking off from the UK

1. La Palma, Spain

Why we're excited

Often overlooked for its bigger Canary Island neighbours, and with direct flights currently only available from Gatwick, La Palma largely slips under the tourist radar. Not for much longer, though. New Jet2 flights operating from two major UK airports will make La Palma more accessible – as it deserves to be.

Known as the Canaries' Isla Bonita, this bonny green isle is an adventure playground for nature-lovers. There are waterfalls to chase in Los Tilos forest, black-sand beaches to gawk at on the west coast, volcano craters to hike in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and, if you're here between May and September, you can add whale watching to the mix.

The best bit? La Palma’s sub-tropical climate means that the weather is wonderful year-round. Launching in spring 2026, Jet2’s new routes will get you there in time to see the island’s greenery in all its glory.

Who's flying there?

Jet2 will run direct flights from Manchester Airport operating two weekly services (Monday and Friday) commencing on 3 April 2026. A new exclusive connection from Stansted Airport will follow from 26 October 2026, also flying on Mondays and Fridays.

2. Scandinavian Mountains, Sweden

Why we’re excited

Like the sound of a Scandinavian ski season? In the heart of Sweden’s mountains and within minutes of the Norwegian border, Scandinavian Mountains Airport offers quick access to Sweden and Norway’s largest ski resorts. And thanks to two new easyJet connections, you don’t have to fork out to get there – flights start from just £29.99 one way.

Stay in Sweden and sprawling Sälen is just a 30-minute drive from the airport. When you’re not slaloming your way down the 155km (96 miles) of slopes, the resort’s après-ski scene will keep spirits high.

Go west over the border to tackle some of Trysil’s 69 runs. A variety of gentle slopes and kids’ zones make it a family-favourite, while challenging black runs keep it interesting for advanced skiers.

Who's flying there?

easyJet has launched Saturday flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Scandinavian Mountains Airport running from 6 December 2025 to 28 March 2026. Fares start from £29.99 one way from Manchester.

3. Samos, Greece

Why we're excited

Shortly after Jet2 announced Samos as a new destination for summer 2026, they expanded their programme to include flights from Birmingham Airport for the first time. It’s a win for Brummies and Midlanders who can now add Samos to their Greek island wishlist without having to trek to London.

Cute harbour towns, rolling olive groves and pine-shaded beaches set the tone of this sleepy isle, offering an easy-going alternative to its south Aegean neighbours, Kos and Rhodes. Just as they were some hundreds of years ago, days here are dedicated to bringing in the catch of the day, while evenings are kept sweet by the island’s famous muscat wines.

Delve deeper and you’ll discover Pythagoras, Aesop and the goddess Hera all feature on Samos’s historical wall of fame. Uncover their stories at the island’s archaeological parks and museums.

Who's flying there?

From 4 May 2026, Jet2 will operate weekly Monday flights from Birmingham to Samos. Jet2’s summer programme will also include two new weekly flights to Samos from both Manchester and Stansted.

4. Hurghada, Egypt

Why we're excited

Basically a free-for-all of ritzy five-star hotels, sugar-white beaches and world-class watersports, Hurghada is one of the Red Sea’s most sought-after resorts.

And now that TUI's launching direct flights from Cardiff, it’s even closer for Welsh holidaymakers.

Diving is the headline activity here. Countless coral gardens, historical shipwrecks and crystal-clear waters teaming with clownfish, turtles, rays and hammerheads make a trip below the waves essential.

Prefer to keep your feet dry? The Hurghada Grand Aquarium’s colossal 22 exhibits bring the wonders of the underwater world to shore.

For wanders of a different kind, the old town’s labyrinth of streets beg to be explored. Shop for colourful woven rugs at El Dahar Souk, try the local brew at an Egyptian coffee shop and fill your camera roll with snaps of Al Mina Mosque.

Who's flying there?

As part of TUI's expansion at Cardiff Airport for summer 2026, the airline is launching a new direct flight route to Hurghada starting 2 May 2026. Flights will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

5. Nice, France

Why we're excited

easyJet is going all-in on Newcastle next summer, launching 11 new routes to Europe and North Africa – that’s double the number of destinations available from the northeast airport.

It’s good news for anyone who had their sights set on the South of France: an exclusive new connection to Nice is on the list, and it’s beginning just in time for the spring city break season.

It’s the perfect excuse to see the best of this Riviera gem before the summer holiday crowds descend. Take a stroll through the old town, Vieux Nice, to admire candy-coloured townhouses, immerse yourself in the world of modern art at MAMAC, and head to the iconic Promenade des Anglais for a trendy apéritif.

Come May, temperatures start touching the 20s, which means beach days get the green light. With over 7km (4.3 miles) of coastline, you won’t find a better spot in France that combines sand and city.

Who's flying there?

easyJet’s new flight route between Newcastle and Nice will start on 29 March 2026, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The connection will run until 13 September 2026.

6. Pula, Croatia

Why we're excited

Imagine starting your day exploring a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, lunching on fresh prosciutto and cheese in a farmer’s market, then spending the afternoon hopping between pretty pebbled coves. That’s what a holiday to Pula is all about.

This coastal city on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is a wonderful alternative to tourist-magnets, Dubrovnik and Split. And much like its more popular counterparts, the city is a fascinating mix of old and new.

Medieval city walls and Venetian-style buildings rub shoulders with cosmopolitan restaurants and bars lining the busy waterfront promenade – linger here to enjoy a glass of Pula’s signature Istrian malvasia wine.

You're also within easy reach of Croatia’s islands. Book a boat tour of the Brijuni Islands for a scenic day out or take a ferry to Unije where you can continue on to Lošinj and Cres.

With Jet2 expanding their connections to the Istrian Coast next year, it's one for your summer holiday wishlist.

Who's flying there?

Jet2 will operate exclusive direct flights to Pula from East Midlands Airport from summer 2026. The service will operate weekly on Sundays, starting on 24 May 2026.

7. Tirana, Albania

Why we're excited

While Tirana might not be your first thought for a holiday destination, new direct Ryanair flights from Birmingham are your sign to set your sights on the Albanian capital in 2026.

Stay in the city and the country’s unique blend of history and culture shines through in the tapestry of Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architectural styles, dynamic nightlife scene and the warm hospitality of its people.

Skanderbeg Square is Tirana’s beating heart and where you’ll find the Palace of Culture – home of the National Library of Albania and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Other must-visits include the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Pyramid of Tirana.

Head to the coast – Tirana is the gateway to the Albanian Riviera – and you’ve got sugar-soft stretches of sand and swish beach resorts waiting for you. Dhërmi and Ksamil have created quite the buzz with their Caribbean-like waters and excellent package deals. Our advice? Beat the crowds there.

Who's flying there?

Ryanair is launching new direct flights from Birmingham to Tirana in April 2026 as part of a broader expansion into Albania. A twice-weekly service operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays will run through to October. Fares start from £50 one way.

8. Bilbao, Spain

Why we're excited

Spain is the word in 2026 for Wizz Air. The budget airline will be running five new routes to Spanish cities from Luton Airport starting in spring, making them one of the key providers of low-cost travel to the country.

Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville are all in the line up, but it's Basque Coast beauty, Bilbao, that has us excited.

This bold city is a magnet for art and design enthusiasts who come to appreciate masterpieces of contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum and ponder the eclectic collection of modern buildings that are rapidly redefining Bilbao’s image.

Food lovers are in for a treat too – this is the home of pintxos, after all. These bite-size snacks range from pickled peppers to fried squid and are as moorish as they are varied. Other Basque staples that will get your taste buds tingling include bacalao (salt cod) and marmitako (tuna stew), best washed down with a glass of sparkling txakoli.

Who's flying there?

Wizz Air will operate five flights a week between Luton and Bilbao starting from 29 March 2026. Fights are available now from as little as £17.99 one way.

9. Kos, Greece

Why we're excited

Scots can’t seem to get enough of Greek getaways – understandable when there are sun-soaked islands and limitless souvlaki on offer less than a four and a half hour-flight away. Luckily, Jet2 is stepping up to meet the demand, adding a sixth Greece destination to its Glasgow portfolio. Enter Kos.

This Greek isle has mastered the art of offering something for everyone without giving over its old-soul character to tourism. Ancient ruins and medieval castles provide an extensive history lesson while the infinite cycle trails that link one enchanting seaside town after another will keep active sightseers happy.

The watersports here are incredible too (it's famed for wind and kitesurfing) but it's just as good for doing absolutely nothing on endless golden beaches.

Come evening, bars and clubs bring the party to Kos. Kardamena and Kos Town are your go-tos for lively sundowners and late-night revelry.

Who's flying there?

Jet2 has announced new weekly flights from Glasgow Airport to Kos, starting in summer 2026. The flights will operate on Tuesdays from 26 May to 20 October.

10. Seoul, South Korea

Why we're excited

The food scene alone is worth the trip to Seoul. Thanks to its melting pot of Korean, Thai, Japanese and Chinese influences, you can hop from barbecue joints and street-side noodle stalls to dessert houses, all in one day.

And while parts of the city are super modern you'll still find plenty of traditional neighbourhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, where beautifully preserved hankos and ornate tea houses sit in the shadow of those glittering towers.

Seoul is also the capital of K-Pop. Themed cafes, shops and performance venues make it hard not to become obsessed with this catchy, highly-visual genre – especially with internationally renowned artists like BTS and BLACKPINK leading the craze.

The city even has gorgeous green spaces. Head to Namsan Park for walking trails, wildlife spotting and panoramic views from the cable car up to N Seoul Tower.

Add in new Virgin Atlantic flights from London and there’s even more reason to visit.

Who's flying there?

Marking the airline’s first ever route to South Korea, Virgin Atlantic is launching direct flights from Heathrow to Seoul starting 29 March 2026. The connection will operate daily, with a flight time of 12-13 hours.

*All prices and information correct as of 22 August 2025.