Published on
November 5, 2025
Slovenia and Gran Canaria are now just a flight away thanks to airBaltic, which has launched a new direct service between Ljubljana and Gran Canaria. The inaugural flight took off on October 31, 2025, marking the beginning of a seasonal route that will operate every Friday until early April 2026. This new service expands air connectivity between Slovenia and Gran Canaria, two very different destinations, offering a seamless gateway for tourism and business travelers alike.
This move highlights the increasing demand for winter travel options, with Gran Canaria offering a warm escape for Central and Northern European travelers looking to avoid the colder months, while Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, promises a beautiful blend of ancient architecture and modern life for those seeking new experiences in the heart of Europe. The airBaltic flights, operated by their Airbus A220-300 aircraft, feature modern comforts such as wider seats, larger windows, and free high-speed internet powered by SpaceX Starlink, offering a high-quality experience for passengers throughout the flight.
Route Launch: Direct flights from Gran Canaria to Ljubljana, starting October 31, 2025.Frequency: Weekly service on Fridays.Flight Time: Approximately 5 hours.Aircraft: Airbus A220-300, offering enhanced comfort and onboard connectivity.
This new connection between Gran Canaria and Ljubljana comes as part of airBaltic’s expanded winter network, which now includes seven direct routes from Gran Canaria to cities across Northern Europe and Central Europe.
airBaltic’s Strategy to Expand its Winter Network
The introduction of the Gran Canaria-Ljubljana route is strategically aimed at strengthening air connections and boosting tourism between these two locations. According to Mantas Vrubliauskas, the VP of Network Management at airBaltic, the new route is expected to cater to both leisure tourists looking for a winter getaway to Gran Canaria and business travelers from Slovenia looking to experience the island’s warm climate and vibrant tourist activities.
Tourism Boost for Gran Canaria: The route will bring Slovenians and tourists from other Central European countries to the island, offering a sunny destination for those wanting to escape the colder months.Exploration of Ljubljana: For Gran Canaria residents, the route opens up the opportunity to explore Ljubljana, with its rich history, modern architecture, and beautiful old town, offering a unique cultural experience in Central Europe.
Gran Canaria’s tourism economy is set to benefit greatly from the new service, which connects the island to an important and expanding European market. The route provides Slovenian travelers with a direct link to a stunning and diverse island destination, known for its beaches, hiking trails, and unique cultural blend.
Expanding Air Connectivity to Southern Europe and Beyond
airBaltic’s expansion of direct services from Gran Canaria is a clear indication of the growing importance of medium-haul destinations. By increasing the number of direct flights to key destinations such as Ljubljana, airBaltic is not only offering convenience and affordability but is also enhancing Gran Canaria’s position as a hub for winter tourism. This new route will make the island even more accessible to travelers from across Europe, adding to airBaltic’s portfolio of destinations in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Central Europe.
The aircraft used for these flights, the Airbus A220-300, ensures that passengers enjoy a comfortable and efficient flight experience, with modern amenities such as larger overhead compartments for luggage and enhanced seat comfort. In addition, airBaltic offers onboard high-speed internet, making it the first European airline to provide Starlink connectivity.
Expanding Winter Travel Options to Popular Destinations
With the launch of the Ljubljana-Gran Canaria route, airBaltic aims to offer travelers an efficient and direct travel option to one of the most popular winter destinations in the Canary Islands while simultaneously strengthening connections between Slovenia and Spain. The route enhances the airline’s winter travel network, which includes connections to other European hotspots like Billund, Molde, Oslo Torp, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius.
Key Destinations Served by airBaltic from Gran Canaria:Billund (Denmark)Ljubljana (Slovenia)Molde (Norway)Oslo Torp (Norway)Riga (Latvia)Tallinn (Estonia)Vilnius (Lithuania)
This network expansion is not only a major boost for Gran Canaria’s tourism industry but also provides passengers with a wide variety of destinations, each offering unique experiences from the northern lights in Norway to the historic architecture of Ljubljana.
AirBaltic’s Impact on Tourism in Slovenia and Gran Canaria
The new Gran Canaria-Ljubljana service is expected to have a significant impact on both destinations, with tourists from Slovenia now able to visit Gran Canaria’s beaches and enjoy outdoor activities, while Gran Canaria residents can visit the charming city of Ljubljana. The route will also provide a boost to business tourism as it opens the door to greater connectivity between Central Europe and the Canary Islands.
Benefits of the New AirBaltic Route for Travelers:Convenience: A direct flight offering quick access to sunny Gran Canaria for Central Europeans.Comfort: Airbus A220-300 with modern amenities and Starlink internet.Unique Destinations: Visit Ljubljana for a cultural getaway or explore the Canary Islands with their stunning beaches and landscapes.Looking Ahead: A Growing Relationship Between Slovenia and Spain
This new direct air connection is a significant development in the relationship between Slovenia and Gran Canaria. As airBaltic continues to expand its network, more travelers will have the chance to explore new destinations, contributing to the tourism economies of both locations. With the growing demand for winter tourism, especially for sun-seeking travelers, this route is set to become a popular choice for those looking for an easy and efficient way to explore both southern Europe and the Canary Islands.
Conclusion: Bridging Two Worlds with Direct Air Connectivity
By introducing this direct service between Gran Canaria and Ljubljana, airBaltic is playing a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and offering travelers an exciting new opportunity to explore Gran Canaria’s sun-soaked beaches and Ljubljana’s charming old town. The route is set to become an integral part of airBaltic’s winter network, ensuring that both tourism and business grow stronger between Slovenia, Spain, and beyond.
