Else Beekman
With the summer season just around the corner, travellers between Spain and the UK can look forward to eight new flight routes. While Ryanair remains unchanged compared to the same period in 2024, EasyJet takes the lead with the majority of new openings, enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
EasyJet, known for its extensive European network, is the driving force behind most of the new routes. The airline is set to bolster its presence in Spain with the following additions:
- London Luton to Almería – Starting in June, this route will connect the capital with the scenic Andalucian coast.
- Manchester to Madrid – Also launching in June, EasyJet introduces a direct link between the northern UK city and Spain’s capital, a route currently not serviced.
- Newcastle to Malaga – Already operational
- Leeds to Malaga – Starting in April
- Leeds to Palma de Mallorca – Providing more options for holidaymakers heading to the Balearic Islands.
- Reus to Belfast – Flights begin in April
- Reus to Glasgow – Starting from June
- Gran Canaria (Gando) to Birmingham – Available from May, enhancing connections to the Canary Islands
TUI joins with a niche offering
TUI, Europe’s leading tour operator but now the second-largest in the UK, will introduce a route from Exeter to Ibiza. This niche route caters to travellers from the southwest of England, highlighting TUI’s strategy of serving secondary UK airports.
Unique destinations in EasyJet’s portfolio
Aside from the UK routes, EasyJet is venturing into more exotic destinations with flights to Tbilisi, Georgia and Sal, Cape Verde. The Tbilisi route joins the competition with Wizz Air and Ryanair, while the Sal route faces TUI’s offering to nearby Boavista, known for its Riu hotels.
This winter, EasyJet added nine new routes to Spain. These connected the airports of Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Alicante, and Madrid with the UK, France, Italy, and Austria. The airline sees Spain as a strategic market ‘which we have grown over time’.
Ryanair’s quiet season
Contrary to its usual approach, Ryanair has no new routes between Spain and the UK for the upcoming summer season. In fact, some existing routes will be discontinued, like flights to Jerez de la Frontera and Valladolid, making EasyJet the airline to watch this summer. This decision or strategic move follows the Irish airline’s dissatisfaction with high AENA fees and lack of airline incentives.