Home » AIRLINE NEWS » France Joins Germany, Italy, Portugal and UK in Starting New Routes Across Europe Skyrocketing Tourism Insurmountably With Surging Travel Avenues

Published on
September 2, 2025

As the travel landscape continues to evolve in 2026, Europe’s airports are set to witness a surge in new flight routes, offering increased connectivity across the continent and beyond. With new services launching from major hubs in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the UK, travelers can look forward to more options for both leisure and business trips. Here’s a closer look at some of the most exciting new routes in Europe in 2026.

France: Expanding Horizons with New Routes

Ryanair continues to expand its presence in France, with plans to resume operations at Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport starting in summer 2026. The low-cost carrier is set to reintroduce routes connecting the UK to Bergerac, a charming destination in southwestern France. This addition will cater to the growing demand for accessible destinations in the Dordogne region.

Additionally, easyJet is launching a new direct flight from Aberdeen Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle on October 27, 2025, operating twice a week until early January 2026. This will mark the first direct service between Aberdeen and Paris since the pandemic, allowing travelers to easily access the iconic French capital.

Meanwhile, British Airways’ short-haul subsidiary BA Euroflyer is offering new routes from London Gatwick to several French cities, including Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, and Nice. This expansion is set to meet the rising demand for affordable travel options across France, with additional routes expected to grow throughout 2026.

Germany: Strengthening Links Across Europe

Sky Express, a Greek carrier, is expanding its European network with new routes from Berlin and Hamburg to Athens, starting in October 2025. This new connection aims to enhance travel between Germany and Greece, providing more options for vacationers and business travelers alike.

UK-based airline Jet2 is also increasing its reach, launching new flights from Newcastle Airport to Preveza, Greece, in May 2026. This new service reflects the growing demand for direct flights from regional UK airports to popular Mediterranean destinations.

Italy: A Hub of New Connections

In Italy, Wizz Air is significantly expanding its operations by introducing 16 new routes from cities like Venice, Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Pescara. These include destinations such as Bordeaux (France), Larnaca (Cyprus), Tallinn (Estonia), London Luton (UK), Valencia (Spain), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Kutaisi (Georgia), with services starting from December 1, 2025. The Hungarian airline is targeting increased demand for European travel and offering affordable options to new and popular destinations.

American Airlines is also expanding its European network, introducing direct flights between New York and Milan starting on March 29, 2026. This new route reflects the growing importance of the transatlantic market and the increasing demand for travel between the US and Italy.

Portugal: Expanding Connections to the Mediterranean

Portuguese airports are also seeing an increase in international connectivity. Sky Express is launching a new direct route from Lisbon to Athens, beginning on October 24, 2025. This new connection further strengthens the bond between Portugal and Greece, providing an additional travel option for both leisure and business travelers.

Meanwhile, Wizz Air is increasing its presence in Portugal by adding new routes from Venice, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino to Lisbon and Porto in December 2025. These additions will offer more affordable travel options for those looking to explore Portugal and its vibrant cities.

United Kingdom: New Routes from Regional Airports

The UK is set to benefit from an array of new routes in 2026. easyJet is launching a new weekly flight from Newcastle Airport to Lyon, France, starting on January 4, 2025. This new route expands the airline’s offerings from regional UK airports to key destinations across Europe.

British Airways continues to grow its network, with London, Manchester, and Edinburgh offering direct flights to various cities across Europe. The airline’s expansion reflects a growing demand for travel from major UK cities to popular European destinations, providing more convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

A New Era of Connectivity in Europe

The year 2026 promises to be an exciting one for travelers as European airports open up new routes, enhancing connectivity between the continent and the rest of the world. With Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways all expanding their networks, travelers will have more options than ever to explore Europe and beyond. From new routes connecting France to the UK and Greece, to Italy’s continued dominance as a key European hub, there has never been a better time to book a flight across the continent. With a variety of destinations to choose from, 2026 will undoubtedly be a year filled with new travel opportunities and exciting adventures.