Families dreaming of next year’s adventures have plenty to look forward to, with UK airlines unveiling a wave of new routes for 2026. British Airways is turning its winter-only Gatwick–Bangkok service into a permanent, year-round connection, while also expanding links to the US in the run-up to the World Cup. Expect a brand-new Heathrow–St Louis service, plus the return of double-daily Miami flights and a daily route to Dallas-Fort Worth.
Regional airports are getting their share of the excitement too. easyJet will officially base aircraft in Newcastle for the first time, while Ryanair introduces a completely new connection between Birmingham and the increasingly popular Albanian capital, Tirana.
Seoul
From London Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic will head east to South Korea for the very first time with a direct daily service to Seoul starting 29 March 2026. Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the 12–13-hour flight gives UK families a smoother route into one of Asia’s most lively cities.
Seoul’s mix of futuristic neighbourhoods and centuries-old traditions make it a brilliant long-haul option with teens: wander the grand courtyards of Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll the photogenic alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village, or snack your way through Gwangjang Market. The route also unlocks easier onward travel to Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand through Virgin’s growing codeshare network.
St Louis
From London Heathrow
With the Route 66 centenary putting America’s “Mother Road” back in the spotlight, British Airways is launching the only non-stop UK service to St Louis from 19 April 2026. The four-times-weekly Heathrow flight places families right at the gateway to classic Midwestern road trips—retro diners, open highways and all.
St Louis blends Americana charm with blockbuster sights like the towering Gateway Arch, while Kansas City—one of next year’s FIFA World Cup host cities—is just a four-hour drive away. It’s ideal for families looking to turn a city break into a wider US adventure.
Punta Cana
From Belfast
For Northern Ireland travellers, TUI is adding sunshine to next summer with a limited-run Belfast–Punta Cana service starting 20 June. Operating on Saturdays for four weeks, this route brings the Dominican Republic’s palm-lined beaches and lush interior a whole lot closer.
Families can base themselves in Bávaro or Cap Cana, explore the emerald Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park, discover the 27 Damajagua waterfalls, or boat across to the wild landscapes of Los Haitises National Park—a filming location for Jurassic Park.
Samos
From Stansted and Manchester
Jet2.com is introducing twice-weekly flights to the underrated Greek island of Samos from both Stansted and Manchester, running May–October 2026. Jet2holidays will complement the new routes with everything from villa stays to family-friendly hotels in Pythagoreio, Samos Town, and the charming seafront village of Kokkari.
Beyond its beautiful beaches, families will find mountain villages, ancient ruins and traditional tavernas dotted across a landscape of emerald cliffs and sapphire sea.
Ottawa
From Gatwick
Canada’s capital will be easier to reach next summer thanks to Air Transat’s new Gatwick–Ottawa service, flying three times a week from 15 May 2026. Air Canada is also extending its Heathrow flights to year-round, with increased summer frequencies.
Ottawa is wonderfully family-friendly, with highlights such as the Gothic-style Parliament Buildings, brilliant museums and the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, which famously becomes a giant ice rink in winter.
Tirana
From Birmingham
Ryanair’s expansion into Albania continues with new twice-weekly flights to Tirana from Birmingham (from 29 March) and Dublin (from 2 April). The Albanian capital is a great option for families wanting somewhere different—without the crowds found elsewhere in the Balkans.
Ride the Dajti Express cable car, explore the underground Bunk’Art museums, and tuck into hearty Albanian dishes in the city’s buzzing restaurants. Beyond Tirana, highlights include the UNESCO town of Berat, the dramatic Accursed Mountains, and the picture-perfect Albanian Riviera.
Newark
From Glasgow
After seven years away, United Airlines will relaunch its daily Glasgow–Newark summer service from 8 May to 23 September. It’s the only non-stop route from Glasgow to the US, and the timing couldn’t be better—with New Jersey hosting several major World Cup fixtures, including the final on 19 July.
Beyond football, New York will welcome a spectacular tall-ships flotilla from 3–9 July to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, followed by huge Fourth of July celebrations.
Nice
From Newcastle
With easyJet establishing a base at Newcastle, families can look forward to 11 new routes starting from late March, including an exclusive new service to Nice, operating three times a week.
Travellers can wander Nice’s colourful Old Town, venture to hilltop Èze, or explore elegant Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The airline will also open up links from Newcastle to Rhodes, Corfu, Antalya, Dalaman, Faro, Malta, Prague, Reus, Sharm el-Sheikh and Enfidha (Tunisia)—a huge win for North-East holidaymakers
Hurghada
From Cardiff
TUI is giving Welsh travellers more choice next summer with a brand-new Cardiff–Hurghada route launching 2 May 2026. This Red Sea favourite is a hit with families thanks to its calm, warm waters and abundance of all-inclusive resorts where days can be spent swimming, snorkelling and making the most of huge hotel pool complexes.
From Hurghada, it’s easy to arrange family-friendly boat trips to spot dolphins, try out beginner-level scuba experiences, or visit the desert for a 4×4 adventure. With sunshine almost guaranteed, it’s a welcome new option for those looking to escape early in the season without travelling too far.
Faro
From Cardiff
Also debuting from Cardiff next summer is TUI’s new flight to Faro, taking off from 21 May 2026. This gateway to Portugal’s Algarve region is a favourite with UK families, thanks to its mix of golden beaches, waterparks and relaxed seaside towns such as Albufeira, Vilamoura and Carvoeiro.
Once in the Algarve, travellers can enjoy everything from boat trips to the striking Benagil caves to long days on family-friendly beaches with gentle surf. With so many villas and resorts to choose from, this new Cardiff link offers Welsh families a much easier start to an iconic European beach holiday.
Toronto
From Cardiff and Glasgow
Canadian holidays will become even more accessible from Wales and Scotland next summer with WestJet’s new transatlantic routes. The airline will operate four weekly flights from Cardiff to Toronto Pearson International Airport starting 23 May, alongside four weekly flights from Glasgow from 15 May.
Served by WestJet’s modern Boeing 737 Max aircraft, the route brings families closer to Toronto’s must-see attractions—from the towering CN Tower to the waterfront Harbourfront Centre. It also makes bucket-list experiences like Niagara Falls an easy day trip. Toronto’s multicultural food scene, vibrant neighbourhoods and excellent public transport make it a great North American city break for all ages.
Agadir
From East Midlands
Jet2.com is expanding its North Africa programme with a new route from East Midlands Airport to Agadir for summer 2026. Situated along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Agadir is known for its wide, sweeping beach and relaxed resort atmosphere—ideal for families who want warm weather, good food and a mix of downtime and day trips.
Kids will love the beachfront promenade, while adults can explore the city’s markets or take excursions to nearby Paradise Valley. With reliable sunshine and a laid-back feel, Agadir is a strong alternative to more crowded European hotspots.
Palermo
From Manchester
Jet2.com is also broadening its Italian network with new flights to Palermo from Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle. This Sicilian gem offers families a blend of culture, great food and dramatic coastal scenery.
Visitors can wander through historic markets like Ballarò, admire the Arab-Norman architecture of the Palatine Chapel, or take a short trip out to the turquoise bays around Mondello. With warm weather stretching well into autumn and a wonderfully relaxed pace, Palermo is perfect for those wanting sunshine with a cultural twist.
Ljubljana
From Edinburgh
EasyJet is launching Scotland’s first-ever direct link to Slovenia with a new Edinburgh–Ljubljana route from 4 April 2026. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s prettiest small capitals—full of cobbled streets, hilltop castle views and riverside cafés that families will love.
The flight also puts Slovenia’s incredible landscapes within easy reach, from the famous turquoise waters of Lake Bled to the dramatic Postojna Cave. It’s an ideal destination for families who enjoy city exploring mixed with outdoor adventures.
Rome
From East Midlands
Families in the Midlands will have a new Italian option in 2026 with easyJet’s Birmingham–Rome service. Flying into the heart of Italy’s capital opens the door to history-filled days exploring the Colosseum, Vatican Museums or simply wandering piazzas in search of the best gelato.
It’s ideal for a quick cultural escape, especially for parents who want to mix sightseeing with relaxed family meals and plenty of people-watching.
Thessaloniki
From Bristol
EasyJet’s new Bristol–Thessaloniki route brings UK travellers closer to the underrated region of northern Greece. Thessaloniki combines lively waterfront strolls with ancient ruins and fantastic food—and it’s a brilliant base for families looking to explore the nearby Halkidiki peninsula, known for its calm bays and clear waters.
Whether choosing a beach resort or a city break, this new link gives South West families a fresh Mediterranean option beyond the usual islands.
Reus
From Bristol
Another addition for Bristol is easyJet’s new route to Reus, launching in 2026. Perfect for families, Reus places travellers close to the beaches of the Costa Dorada and—most importantly—right on the doorstep of PortAventura World and Ferrari Land, two of Europe’s best theme parks.
Reus itself is compact and charming, with Gaudí-themed attractions and plenty of sunshine, making it an excellent alternative to Barcelona for those wanting a quieter base.
Billund
From Edinburgh
Finally, Norwegian is launching an Edinburgh–Billund service from April, giving families an easy gateway to LEGOLAND® Billund Resort—a dream for younger travellers and nostalgic parents alike.
The route also provides access to Denmark’s gentle countryside, Viking heritage sites and the country’s famously family-friendly cycling routes. It slots neatly into Norwegian’s growing Nordic network from Edinburgh, which already includes Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Bergen.