UK’s biggest airport launches new flight routes to six holiday destinations this summer
BRITS will soon have six brand new flight options available to them after they were announced by a major UK airport.
The new routes, introduced by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling, will provide travellers with direct access to some favourite city break destinations, as well as some exciting long haul routes.
Paris, Barcelona, Kos and Izmir in Turkey are among those added to the airport’s schedule this year, along with Abu Dhabi and Bangalore.
The airport is excited about adding the new routes to its selection.
Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted to see 6 new airline routes commencing at Heathrow this summer season.
“Last year, we served 79 million passengers, and we expect to serve more travellers with a record breaking 2024.
“This summer, passengers will have even more options to enjoy the sun.
“We are bringing back popular destinations such as Kos and Izmir, and the additional service to Bangalore and Abu Dhabi opens more opportunities for businesses across the UK.
“I am sure these new routes will prove popular this summer.”
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – British Airways
From April 20, Heathrow is increasing its service to Abu Dhabi, where travellers can see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and experience desert safaris in the Emirati capital.
Last year, more than a million passengers visited the city fom Heathrow and now more will be able to with British Airways from next month.
Kos, Greece – British Airways
The route to this Greek holiday favourite is returning to Heathrow for the first time since 2022.
From May 18, travellers can visit the island for sunny golden beaches, ancient ruins and authentic Greek cuisine.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
Izmir, Turkey – British Airways
Another returning route for the airport – the BA flights will be the first to link Heathrow to Izmir since 2019.
From May 18, in time for half term getaways, the airline will be heading to the Aegean coast destination.
There, ancient history meets modern charm amidst the ruins of Ephesus and the busy bazaars of this Turkish seaside city, where wild flamingos can be found.
Bangalore, India – Virgin Atlantic
From March 31, Virgin Atlantic is launching its new route from Heathrow to Bangalore.
The airline is inviting passengers to explore the cultural diversity, and culinary delights of the “Silicon Valley of India.”
Last year, hundreds of thousands of passengers travelled to the city from Heathrow.
Barcelona, Spain – Vueling
From April 7, budget Spanish airline will be offering flights from Heathrow to Barcelona.
After arriving, passengers can wander through the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter, immerse themselves in the architectural wonders of Gaudi and soak up the sun on Barceloneta Beach.
Last year, more than half a million passengers travelled to the Catalan city from Heathrow.
Paris-Orly, France– Vueling
Vueling will also extend its reach from Heathrow to Paris-Orly on April 7, offering direct access to France’s capital city in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
This is the first time Heathrow has served the route to Paris-Orly since 2017.
These aren’t the only new flight routes launched recently from the UK either.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Direct flights are set to link the UK to the Georgian capital for the first time since 2020.
There, Brits can find hot springs, cheap wine and some hugely underrated food.
Flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh will be launched later this year.
Dalaman and Antalya, Turkey
Budget carrier Corendon Airlines has planned hundreds of new flights between the UK and Turkey for this summer.
The new services will be added from several UK airports to Turkey’s Dalaman and Antalya regions.
Porto, Portugal
Jet2 has launched a new route that will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto – just in time for the school summer holidays.
The new route, which was set to launch in 2025, will be introduced one year earlier than planned by the UK airline.
Two weekly flights will operate between the two cities from July 4, 2024, until November 3, 2024.
Meanwhile, this new European airline is set to launch flights this summer.
And this lesser-known airline has new flights from two UK airports.