The UK's travel landscape is set for a significant boost in 2026, with airlines unveiling a host of exciting new direct routes. From the ancient streets of Yerevan to the vibrant capital of South Korea, British travellers will have more destinations at their fingertips than ever before.
Major Airlines Expand Their Networks
Several carriers have announced substantial expansions from UK bases. Wizz Air is generating considerable buzz with plans to launch six new routes from London Luton Airport. The most notable is a UK-first direct connection to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, starting in summer 2026. This will be the only non-stop flight from Britain to this historic city. Wizz Air will also add services from Luton to Spanish cities like Alicante and Madrid, as well as destinations in Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, and Germany.
Virgin Atlantic is making a bold move into East Asia. From 29 March 2026, the airline will commence a daily service from London Heathrow to Seoul, South Korea. This new route strengthens connections between the UK and a major Asian economic and cultural hub.
Increased Choice from Key UK Airports
In a major strategic shift, Jet2 will begin operations from London Gatwick for the first time in 2026. While not introducing new destinations from the Sussex hub, the airline will significantly increase frequency on popular holiday routes. For example, flights to Faro and Mallorca will each gain ten additional services per week, with one-way fares starting from just £26. Jet2's entry into Gatwick, the UK's second-largest airport, promises more competition and choice for passengers.
EasyJet, celebrating 30 years, is focusing on expansion outside London. Highlights include a new direct flight from Bristol to Sal in Cape Verde launching on 1 May, and Scotland's first direct link to Slovenia via a new Edinburgh-Ljubljana route starting in April. In total, the carrier will roll out 16 new routes from eight UK airports next summer.
Established Carriers Add New Destinations
British Airways is introducing two notable routes from London Heathrow: a seasonal service to the emerging coastal destination of Tivat in Montenegro, and a year-round flight to Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Additionally, BA will make its London Gatwick to Bangkok service operate year-round instead of seasonally.
Despite cutting many European routes in 2025, Ryanair is boosting its presence at Glasgow Airport in 2026 by adding 600,000 extra seats. This includes a new service to Warsaw, Poland, commencing on 29 March.
With this wave of new routes spanning from short city breaks to long-haul adventures, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for UK travellers seeking new experiences and better connectivity.
