If you’re looking to jazz up your holidays this year, why not add more excitement by going somewhere you’ve never been before?
At least 50 new routes will launch from airports across the UK in 2025, opening year-round travel opportunities to destinations of all cultures and climates.
Whether you’re flying with Jet2 or British Airways, travelling from Birmingham or Cardiff, or seeking relaxation in summer or autumn, there are plenty of options.
Check out Metro’s top picks of the newest flight routes, then get your diary out and start planning.
Cape Verde
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EasyJet is set to take passengers further than ever this year, with flights from London Gatwick to Sal in Cape Verde from March 31.
This is the budget airline’s first destination within Africa’s Sahara desert region and is just one of 26 new routes announced by EasyJet for 2025.
The trip will operate three times a week across summer, with EasyJet’s Country Manager, Ali Gayward, hailing it as ‘a milestone route as [their] first-ever sub-Saharan service.’
Kalamata, Greece
One of Jet2’s exciting new routes is to Kalamata in Greece.
Travellers can soak up that Mediterranean sun thanks to the flight path from Bristol Airport, which commences at the start of summer.
A weekly service will be on offer with flights scheduled to depart from Bristol each Sunday at 8am, landing at Kalamata International Airport at 1:30pm local time.
As for the trip home (not that you want to think about that just yet), Jet2 leaves Kalamata at 2:30pm and touches down in Bristol at 4pm local time.
It’s a straightforward schedule that allows for a full week of gorging on Greek cuisine and exploring the natural beauty of this often underappreciated corner of the country.
Greece may be one of the most visited countries in the world, but the surrounding mountains and glistening beaches of Kalamata are certainly worth venturing out for.
Salerno, Italy
From spring, British Airways will be carrying passengers to the ancient city and comune of Salerno, which is southeast of Naples and also an emerging hub for navigating the Amalfi Coast.
Flights will take off thrice per week starting on May 22 from London Gatwick as one of three new Italian routes added to the BA network.
The expansion from London city brings the total of Italian destinations via the airline to 19, which is more than any other European country.
‘Rimini, Salerno and Olbia are all coastal destinations, so we expect them to be particularly popular with our leisure customers seeking sun, sea, and, of course, Italy’s fantastic food,’ said Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer.
Malta
If Malta has been on your bucket list for a while, this will be a treat.
From April 1, Scots will no longer need to travel to Edinburgh to fly to the Mediterranean island, thanks to Ryanair’s new twice-weekly service.
Taking off from Glasgow Airport, the direct link will include flights every Tuesday and Saturday.
An additional 20,000 passengers are expected to be carried between Glasgow and Malta over the summer, with AGS Airport Director Chris Tibbett praising Ryanair’s decision to branch out.
‘This addition underscores the airline’s confidence in Glasgow as a gateway for Scottish travellers,’ he said.
‘It also means more choice for those looking for a sunny escape, whether for a long weekend, a full week’s holiday, or an extended stay.’
Reus, Spain
Seeking a tan from the Spanish rays in 2025? You’re in luck, as those in and close to Belfast can get to Reus a whole lot quicker.
EasyJet has announced new twice-weekly flights from Belfast International Airport to the city in the northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia, which commence in April.
The airline confirmed that regular flights will then depart every Tuesday and Saturday.
Travellers have described the city as ‘charming’, and it was famously the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí, who has no doubt left his mark.
To take care of further holiday planning on your behalf, EasyJet is also offering travel packages to the destination up until October 31, 2026, which include stays at nearby hotels.
Evenes, Norway
Just in time for winter 2024, London Gatwick launched direct flights to Harstad-Narvik Airport in Evenes.
In 2025, however, the connection to northern Norway is to be utilised even more, with Destination Lofoten’s Marketing Manager, Vegeir Selboe, saying: ‘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.’
Of course, this opens up opportunities for those hoping to tick the Northern Lights off their bucket list, which dazzle the skies above the Lofoten archipelago between late August and early April.
Additionally, twice-weekly flights will run from Gatwick to Ålesund-Vigra Airport, commencing on April 11.
This is the first time the airport in Vigra will be part of the airline’s network.
Enfidha, Tunisia
The northeastern Tunisian town of Enfidha has been crying out for tourists, and now, thanks to a new EasyJet route, tourists are what it shall get.
Flights will launch in spring from London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport, taking you directly to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport.
The advancement comes after the airline began running flights to Enfidha from Glasgow last May, now meaning even more adventurers can wander its beaches and aesthetic sites.
Enfidha is known for agriculture, sitting near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where tourism and a neat fishing industry thrive.
Also within an hour’s drive of the airport are seaside cities Sousse and Monastir, which offer cultural attractions galore.
Shenzhen, China
Also expanding its global route network this year is Emirates, which will take ‘the sky is the limit’ rather literally with its progressive push into China.
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The Dubai-based airline is set to start daily flights to Shenzhen aboard a Boeing Co. 777 widebody jet, meaning their offering will exceed 140 cities.
As well as China, Emirates will launch new routes to Vietnam, Cambodia, Finland, and parts of Africa this year, living up to its status as a titan of the travel industry and strengthening its international presence.
Alas, the addition of new routes has been impacted by delays in aircraft deliveries, meaning those with the travel itch will have to wait a little longer to find out when they’ll be able to scratch it.
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