Seven new flight routes from the UK are being introduced in 2025. A number of flight routes to popular destinations across Europe and further afield are coming the UK this year, including a Greek island which will now be within easy reach of the UK's southwest. British Airways recently announced that it would reintroduce its direct flights between London Heathrow and Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. From Sunday 30 March, the airline will operate flights between the UK and Georgia, four times a week. One-way flights can be found as low as £177, and the flight takes around five hours.
Tbilisi is one of Europe's oldest capitals and has been the centre of culture, politics and economics in Georgia for fifteen centuries. The city features many districts, including Old Tbilisi which is home to some of the city's most famous sites. One attraction is the colourful domed 17th-century baths which are fed by naturally hot sulphur water. According to legend, the waters there convinced King Vakhtang Gorgasali to found the city. Travellers are able to soak in the same winning liquid, whilst staring up at the decorative tiles that line the walls of the domed baths.
The city also features cobblestone streets and many religious venues including Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian churches, mosques and more. Norwegian Airline launched direct flights between London Gatwick Airport and Harstad-Narvik Airport in Evenes in time for the peak winter season in 2024 and the route will continue in 2025. In a statement announcing the new route, Destination Lofoten’s marketing manager, Vegeir Selboe, said: “We are excited about Norwegian’s new flight route between London Gatwick and Harstad-Narvik airport in Evenes. Evenes serves as the gateway to the stunning beauty of the Lofoten region, the international ski resort Narvikfjellet, the unique whale experiences in Vesterålen, and much more.”.
The region is home to scenic walking routes and areas, as well as quaint villages. Jet2 will be launching flights this summer, to Kalamata in Greece, from Bristol. Kalamata is the Peloponnese peninsula’s second most populous city and is often overlooked in favour of other cities such as Athens. However, Kalamata is a great food destination featuring local produce and the Callucounis Distilleries which is the country's oldest family-run distillery. The hills in the area make the perfect hiking destination with scenic views across the region.
The city is also home to the castle of Isabeau, where the International Dance Festival takes place annually, and the Palia Poli (Old City), which is at the base of the castle. As the name suggests, the city is also dense with olive groves as well as serene beaches, mountains, and picturesque Greek villages. British Airways is launching direct flights in May, to Salerno in Italy. Salerno is southeast of Naples and has been noted as one of the country's most overlooked and underrated ancient cities. It is home to the eighth-century castle Arechi and the Duomo di Salerno, which has mesmerising ceilings which showcase frescos from the region.
There is also a charming bustle in the city of locals, especially along the tree-lined seafront promenade, which is often considered as one of the cheeriest and most attractive in the whole country. Jet2 will be launching flights to Spain’s Costa de la Luz in summer 2025, with exclusive routes operating from Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds Bradford Airports to Jerez between May and November. The Andalusian city of Jerez is the ideal destination for holidaymakers wishing to still go to Spain but wanting to avoid the busier areas such as Tenerife or Barcelona, that have recently experienced unrest from residents due to overtourism.
The area is also well known for it's sherry. In Jerez, travellers can enjoy sherry tastings and tours, including at González Byass. The venue is home to a small street which is considered as one of the most beautiful in the world, which travellers cannot access unless they are on the venue's grounds. Tours also explain the history and traditions of the city. British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair have all announced new services which will connect London and Rimini’s Federico Fellini International Airport. Fares will start at £30.99 for one-way for Ryanair’s four weekly flights from London Stansted, while British Airways’ thrice-weekly flights from London Heathrow start at £131, according to Conde Nast Traveller.
The resort city of Rimini sits on Italy’s Adriatic coast and features around 15km of white sand beaches. In addition, the city is home to multiple seafood restaurants, beach clubs and hotels. Travellers ca explore the historic old town which is home to the Arch of Augustus and Tiberius Bridge. For families, there are also many attractions nearby including Aquafan which is a large water park, Fiabilandia amusement park, Oltremare marine park and Cattolica Aquarium.
EasyJet will be launching flights to Enfidha, in north-eastern Tunisia, in spring 2025, from London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport. The pretty town is inland but provides the perfect point to start from the explore the seaside cities of Sousse and Monastir - which are both around an hour drive from Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport. Flights take around three hours, so Enfidha makes the ideal destination for day trips or weekends away.