Published on
February 3, 2026
Jet2 has responded to the growing demand for Greek holidays by expanding its Summer 2026 programme with an additional 30,000 seats to four of the most sought-after destinations in Greece. The UK-based airline and tour operator has added more flights to Crete (Chania), Crete (Heraklion), Kos, and Santorini, ensuring even greater choice and flexibility for travelers heading to one of Europe’s most popular holiday spots.
As the UK’s favourite airline, Jet2’s expanded services reinforce the growing popularity of Greece among British holidaymakers. With nearly 360 weekly departures to Greece in Summer 2026, Jet2’s expanded routes are poised to make it the largest UK operator to Greece during the summer, offering more opportunities to explore the sun-soaked islands and the rich culture of the Mediterranean.
More Choices for UK Travellers: New and Additional Flights to Greece
Starting from July 2026, Jet2 will offer extra services across several UK airport bases, including Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and London Stansted. The new flights are designed to meet the rising demand for convenient, direct routes to the Greek islands, making it easier for travelers to enjoy a seamless holiday experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the new services by airport:
Birmingham Airport:Crete (Chania) – Additional Wednesday flights from July 1 to September 23, 2026Santorini – Exclusive Thursday flights from July 2 to September 24, 2026Leeds Bradford Airport:Kos – Additional Saturday flights from July 4 to September 26, 2026 (exclusive to Jet2)London Stansted Airport:Crete (Chania) – Additional Sunday flights from July 19 to September 27, 2026Manchester Airport:Crete (Heraklion) – Additional Wednesday and Friday flights from July 1 to September 25, 2026, with two daily services on these days
These extra flights will allow British travelers more flexibility and choice, whether they’re planning a family beach holiday in Crete, a romantic escape to Santorini, or a cultural exploration in Kos. This move to enhance service availability is a direct response to the increasing demand for holidays in Greece, a destination known for its stunning islands, rich cultural heritage, and Mediterranean charm.
A Stronger Focus on Greek Island Holidays
Greece has long been one of the top destinations for British holidaymakers, with its beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture. Jet2’s expansion into new and existing destinations will make it easier than ever for travelers to enjoy Greek islands such as Crete, Santorini, and Kos, which remain favorites for their scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and wide variety of activities.
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Crete is famous for its ancient Minoan ruins, stunning beaches, and traditional villages. The added flights to Heraklion and Chania will give travelers more chances to explore this diverse island.Santorini continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations in Greece, renowned for its iconic white-washed buildings and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. This exclusive route from Birmingham offers travelers a unique opportunity to visit this world-famous island.Kos is known for its mix of ancient ruins and beaches, and with additional flights from Leeds Bradford, tourists can easily access the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
The increase in capacity to these destinations will directly benefit tourism, as more visitors can now experience these stunning locations without the hassle of connecting flights or long travel times.
A Record-Breaking Year for Jet2’s Greece Programme
With over 3.5 million seats on sale for Summer 2026, Jet2 is set to offer an extensive range of routes to Greece from the UK. This includes 15 Greek destinations, including new routes to Samos, Kefalonia, and Thessaloniki. The airline’s efforts to add more flights from various UK airports is an important move to meet the increasing demand for travel to Greece. With 131 routes on offer, this represents Jet2’s largest ever programme for Greece, making it the go-to airline for British tourists seeking a Greek getaway.
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Jet2’s efforts to connect more UK cities to Greece align with the growing desire for travelers to experience new destinations and revisit favorite spots. With more than 360 weekly departures, Jet2 is further cementing its role as a key player in UK-Greece travel, and its capacity increase is expected to make traveling to Greece even more accessible.
Benefits for Tourism and Local Economies
The expanded flight schedule is not only beneficial to tourists but also to the local economies of the Greek islands. Increased flights bring more visitors, contributing to the tourism industry and supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. In turn, this boosts the economy of Greece, creating jobs and opportunities in the hospitality and service sectors.
Moreover, this expanded connectivity offers benefits for cultural tourism as well. Tourists visiting Greece can explore its rich history at ancient sites, museums, and UNESCO World Heritage locations, further enhancing the appeal of the country as a cultural destination.
Looking Ahead: More Opportunities for Travellers
As Jet2 continues to expand its services, travelers can expect even more destinations and routes to be added to the airline’s portfolio. Summer 2026 will be an exciting time for those planning holidays in Greece, with more options, flexibility, and accessible prices for the ideal getaway. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat to Santorini, an adventurous holiday on Crete, or a cultural exploration in Kos, Jet2 has made it easier than ever to experience all that Greece has to offer.
