routes

JET2 is cutting two routes from East Midlands from its summer programme.

The airline will no longer fly to a beach region in Spain and a popular Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast.

Jet2 has confirmed it is scrapping two routes from East Midlands Airport – to Costa de Almería and Split.

Jet2 said: “As a successful business, we are constantly reviewing our flying programme in response to demand. While this gives us the ability to add more award-winning flights and holidays, we may also very occasionally withdraw flights.

“Following a recent review of our flying programme from East Midlands Airport, we are making some adjustments and have taken the decision to withdraw services to Costa de Almería and Split for summer 2026.”

The route between the airport and Costa de Almería had been in operation for over five years.

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

The region in Spain is known for being less touristy than the likes of the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

The region has wild beaches, desert-like landscapes and even mountains.

One popular spot is Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park which is known for its beautiful golden beaches and coves.

For anyone who still wants to explore Costa de Almería, easyJet still flies to Almería from Liverpool, London Gatwick and Bristol.

The other axed route is to Split which is the second-largest city of Croatia after the capital Zagreb.

Popular spots include the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Riva promenade. 

The best beaches in Split include Bačvice Beach for its proximity and sandy shore, Kasjuni Beach for its clear waters and upscale amenities, and Žnjan Beach for its popularity and family-friendly atmosphere.

During summer 2026, there will be direct flights to Split operated by Wizz Air, easyJet and British Airways from London airports, Bristol and Manchester.

The airline has also pushed back its East Midlands to Agadir service until next winter.

The journey will commence in winter 2026 with the first flight departing on October 15 – one-way flights as little as £76.

At the moment, flights are scheduled up until March 18, 2027.

Jet2 is also restarting flights to a Brit-loved holiday destination for the first time in more than a decade.

It will start flights to two destinations in Egypt, after scrapping routes back in 2011.

The Egyptian Cabinet Presidency has reported that there will be seven weekly flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada with Jet2 from 2027.

Plus, Jet2 will launch first ever flights from major UK airport with 29 new ‘sunshine’ routes.

And hear from one man who visits Spain at least 8 times a year – how to avoid the common tourist mistakes that cost you money.

IF you’re searching for quick, easy and affordable flights for your holiday next year – then check out easyJet’s new routes.

The budget airline has added a whopping 16 new flights to its roster including beautiful islands as well as places within the British Isles – including one that’s been compared to the Caribbean.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands and the best news for Brits is that these sunny spots are just five hours from the UK.

The islands are known for having great winter high temperatures with beautiful beaches and plenty to do – plus there’s only a one hour time difference.

easyJet launched their first-ever flights from the UK to Sal back in April, with routes from London Gatwick and Manchester.

Now, the budget airline has since confirmed that another flight route will be launching to Sal, from Bristol Airport.

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

Flights will take off from 1 May 2026 and operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Bari, Italy

Another new route from easyJet will offer new routes from Bristol to Bari.

The port city on the Adriatic Sea coast of southern Italy – the Pugliese capital has even been nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic‘.

You can delve into the city’s history in Bari Vecchia which is the historical centre where you’ll find a maze of narrow alleyways, open piazzas, and cobbled side streets.

For sightseeing, you’ll find 40 churches in Bari – but one of the most popular is Basilica di San Nicola. It was originally constructed to hold the remains of Father Christmas, which were stolen from Turkey in the 11th century.

Flights start from April 18, 2026 twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Seville

If you fancy a trip to Spain’s fourth-largest city of Seville – easyJet has added more flights to its roster.

Anyone living in and around Bristol can rejoice as the new route will launch from the airport next spring.

Top sites include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España which is a cobbled square with four bridges over its small river.

easyJet is launching a new route from Bristol to Seville from May 2, 2026 – it will operate twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Inverness

It might be less exotic but easyJet is also starting a new route between Birmingham and the Highlands’ capital city of Inverness.

It’s surrounded by water as it’s the city where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth – and there are plenty of great sites like the cathedral and Old High Church.

There’s also the indoor Victorian Market where you can pick up food, clothes and crafts.

The new service starts on March 30, 2026, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Nice

If the delightful Mediterranean coast calls to you then head to the French city of Nice.

Here you can stroll along vibrant the city’s cobbled streets, check out the art-deco architecture and ornate 19th-century properties that rival Paris.

Nice is also a great spot if you want to explore the likes of Monaco, Antibes and Cannes.

The main boulevard of Promenade des Anglais holds a classic French market on a Saturday where you can buy flowers, goats’ cheese, cured meats, cakes and grab a souvenir like lavender soap.

Flights from Birmingham start from May 1, 2026, which operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Montpellier

Very near the Mediterranean coast of southern France is the city of Montpellier.

It’s filled with grand buildings that are a mix of medieval and modern architecture – in the summer it can reach highs of 28C.

While Montpellier isn’t directly on the coast, you don’t have to travel far to find pretty beaches like Carnon, La Grande Motte, GrandsTravers, and Palavas-les-Flots.

Not to mention that just outside of Montpellier, Domaine de Massereau was named the most eco-responsible campsite in Europe last year.

It has plenty to entertain the kids like the Aquatic area which heated swimming pool and one that’s for adults-only with whirlpools and water jets.

For little ones, there’s a spray park, waterslides and a paddling pool as well as two on-site kids’ clubs.

The airline is launching new flights to Montpellier from Manchester on 30 March 2026.

Preveza

On the west side of Greece is the city of Preveza which is the capital of the Epirus region.

The region itself is known for its incredible mountain landscape, as well as pretty beaches.

It’s home to Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest, and clean rivers where locals and tourists like to go kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.

In Preveza you can explore sites like the Nicopolis Museum and Pantocrator Castle or relax on the long, sandy Monolithi Beach.

If you fancy checking out some other places too then you can head to other destinations like Parga, Lefkada and Sivota easily from Preveza.

Flights to Preveza from Manchester start on June 24, 2026.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal has always been a solid choice of holiday for Brits.

With a flight time under three hours and plenty to do from riding the iconic trams up the hilly roads, to hiking up to Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon is a solid choice.

And there are plenty of viewing points to see the incredible views across the city like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

There are two new routes to Lisbon, the first is from Manchester with flights departing from March 31, 2026.

The other route is from Glasgow which will provide direct links to Lisbon from March 29, 2026

Paphos

Last year, Paphos in Cyprus was been voted the most liveable small city in the world.

When one writer visited the seaside spot, she made sure to check out the delicious seafood, and headed out to sea on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

She also said that “the Unesco World Heritage site of Kato Pafos really is a must-see. The park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages”.

Paphos is a great option for summer if what you like is the heat as it has highs of 30C in July and August.

Or even during the cooler months like November where you can still have average highs of 22C.

You’ll be able to fly from Manchester to Paphos from August 2, 2026.

Jersey

Another short journey that’s easy to make is to Jersey – the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland.

The Channel Island has even compared to the Caribbean and its one of the warmest places in spring.

It even has some of the country’s best beaches – and you can get there in under an hour.

easyJet will start its route from Southend Airport to Jersey from March 30, 2026.

Paris

Another new route is from Stansted to Paris – the capital of France is known for its great food and plenty of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

It’s also home to the theme park, Disneyland Paris, which is set to open its new Frozen land on March 29, 2026.

There will be new rides, frosty mountain peaks and you can see it all from inside a miniature Arendelle.

Find out more from The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who got an exclusive peek at the new land.

Flights from London Stansted to Paris will start on March 5, 2026

Tenerife

Tenerife is well known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, amazing stargazing opportunities, and lively nightlife.

For years its been a popular place for Brits to visit, particularly those looking for some winter sun.

It’s good news for those who are fans of the island as Ryanair recently announced it would be cutting flights due to rising tax.

Flights from Newcastle to Tenerife will start on August 1, 2026.

Pisa

The city of Pisa in the Tuscan region of Italy is of course best known for its Leaning Tower which is a must-see when visiting.

But there are lots of other positives too like exploring the beautiful cobbled streets and tasting fantastic food from pizza to cecina (a savory chickpea flour pancake) and Torta co’ Bischeri (a chocolate-filled pastry).

easyJet flights from Glasgow to Pisa start from August 1, 2026.

Sharm El Sheikh

Trips to Egypt are back on the rise with the likes of TUI starting trips and holidays there – and now easyJet is offering flights too.

The holiday destination that was huge with Brits in the noughties has plenty of pretty beach resorts, high temperatures and year-round sunshine.

During the summer months, temperatures in Sharm el Sheikh sit between 35C – 38C.

Sharm el Sheikh is also a popular winter sun destination because its average temperature is 24C which is around 17C warmer than the UK for that time of year.

Routes between Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh will start from August 1, 2026.

Malta

Malta, which is smaller than the Isle of Wight, can slip under the radar when it comes to holidays.

But with new flights from easyJet, it’s bound to get more popular.

When one Sun writer visited the country, she discovered plenty of things that Brits will love from its red telephone boxes to restaurants offering English breakfasts.

Locals drive on the left and speak English (along with Maltese).

New flights from Glasgow to Malta will start from August 4, 2026.

For more holiday destinations – here are five alternative European holiday destinations you can still fly to after Ryanair axed hundreds of flights.

Plus, one of the best budget getaways in Europe for winter has been revealed and pints are 90p.

RAIL passengers travelling on a major route can expect delays as planned engineering work gets underway.

Commuters are being advised to plan ahead of the partial line closure, which will affect a busy UK airport.

Essential engineering work is due to be carried out on the Brighton Main Line south of Gatwick Airport on Sunday, November 30.

The scheduled maintenance means no trains will be running between Gatwick, Brighton, Hove, Lewes or Horsham.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead, with buses set to replace services on the closed part of the route.

Planned works

All four tracks in this section are due to be closed as major work gets underway.

FARE PLAY

Major Budget change set to save commuters £100s in first move of kind in 30 YEARS

RIGHT ON TRACK

One of the world’s most beautiful UK train routes is getting a £15m upgrade

Among Network Rail’s major package of works is the replacement of sections of the track.

This will take place at Tinsley Green Junction near Crawley, at Three Bridges, and between Copyhold Junction and the Ouse Valley viaduct.

Meanwhile, drainage systems at Wivelsfield station will also be renewed and maintenance will also take place at Keymer level crossing and other locations.

According to Network Rail, these improvements are vital to keep services safe and reliable.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director spoke to Sussex Express about the planned works.

“We know closing the railway is frustrating, and we are sorry for the disruption this causes,” she said.

“This work is essential for us as we try and prevent speed restrictions or emergency closures occurring in the future, which would cause even bigger delays at these locations and on the wider rail network.”

She went on to thank passengers for their understanding, and advised them to “plan ahead and check before you travel if you are travelling on Sunday, November 30, as your journey will take longer”.

Alternative routes

As well as replacement buses, a diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, and Clapham Junction.

Anyone travelling between Brighton and London on the affected date is strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Passengers are also reminded that travelling by replacement buses on routes between Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, or and Gatwick Airport, they will require a transfer.

Commuters will need to change buses at Three Bridges for a separate shuttle bus service between Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport.

This is due to insufficient space at Gatwick Airport for the required temporary queuing systems.

The Three Bridges station car park will be converted into a temporary bus hub with different queues for buses serving various destinations.

To facilitate this bus hub, the station car park at Three Bridges will be closed from the evening of Saturday, November 29 until early morning Monday, December 1.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, advised passengers to plan ahead.

“Any of our customers travelling between the coast and Gatwick this Sunday should please take note that this essential work is going to extend their journeys considerably,” she said.

“Please plan ahead at nationalrail.co.uk and check live running information online before you leave for the station.”

Further major works will also take place on the Brighton Main Line over three weekends in January, between Gatwick Airport and Purley and East Croydon.

Branch lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill to Tonbridge will also be affected by this work.

And there will be a closure between Three Bridges and Brighton on Sunday, February 1.

Replacement buses will run where trains are not operating, and detailed travel advice about those closures will be shared in December.

More on travel disruptions

Meanwhile, Christmas chaos is expected as train workers announce wave of strikes on four key dates.

British Airways and Ryanair have been forced to cancel flights to two major airports.

And Ryanair is also set to axe all flights to European islands often compared to Hawaii.

LAVALEY VIEW

Huge volcanic eruption sends ash 6 miles high & poisonous gas toward villages

TRAITORS CHAOS

Bombshell evidence that proves Traitors star ISN’T dad to Charlotte’s baby

A massive UK train station is shutting for nine days as part of an £8 million “once-in-a-generation” overhaul.

Plus, the UK’s busiest train station will shut for a week over Christmas causing chaos for millions.

BRITISH Airways flies to over 200 destinations in more than 65 countries – but with so many places to choose from across the globe how does it decide on where to fly to?

Well, we thought the same so, of course, we asked the airline the question.

Rachel Riley, British Airways’ director of Route Network Development and her team are responsible for launching new routes and looking at future opportunities for the airline.

Ultimately, they then create a schedule and new flights to destinations across the globe that allow the airline to continue to thrive in the aviation industry.

Rachel told Sun Travel: “Planning our network is a fine balancing act, like completing a complex puzzle.

“It’s not only about selecting destinations that we think our customers love and want to visit throughout the year – we also think about things like aircraft availability, cabin crewing requirements, and the specific commercial and operational dynamics that influence a particular route or destination.”

Read more on travel inspo

TRIP TIPS

I’ve visited Disney 55 times… mistakes parents make that ruin trips & waste money

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Rachel added how the process actually begins 18 months before a route launches.

“It’s certainly a marathon and not a sprint when it comes to branching out our network,” she said.

When coming up with ideas for a new route, the airline makes sure to always watch out for trends, but this isn’t the only factor that goes into deciding a new route.

Rachel explained: “Route planning is a bit like solving a giant puzzle.

“Like how my namesake Rachel Riley uses her maths skills to solve games on Countdown, my love for maths has taken me in the direction of solving route network puzzles.

“Our teams do a lot of mathematical modelling and analysis to determine the best overall network, incorporating any new destinations we want to operate.

“From market size and customer demand to competitor activity and connecting traffic, we consider many variables to ensure each new route makes sense for both our network and our customers.”

And it isn’t as simple as getting rid of one route and adding another.

When the moment does come though, when a new route is created, the team will work closely with the British Airways scheduling team to turn it into an operable route and flight schedule.

Rachel also shared: “There’s no hiding from the fact that we are impacted by external factors beyond our control [as well].”

These factors include things like geopolitical issues and engine delivery delays.

But it isn’t just about creating brand new routes, exciting routes and connections to destinations can be improved through airline codeshare partners.

For example, British Airways recently expanded its codeshare agreement with Cathay Pacific to 12 destinations in Southeast Asia and Australasia.

For the first time, the airline is also connecting Heathrow and Manila in the Philippines through this partnership as well.

Perhaps, the most exciting job though is for the person who tries the new destinations.

Rachel explained: “When we introduce a new route, visiting the destination plays a crucial role in the planning process.

“It allows us to check that the location aligns with our expectations.

“These visits enable us to evaluate a wide range of factors in person, including assessing the progress of any construction that’s underway (if it’s a new airport, for example) through to experiencing the
end-to-end customer journey.

“This is to ensure we’re confident that everything is in place and ready to go.”

As a part of this, the airline will work closely with tourism boards, as well as airport authorities and ground partners.

“We of course also engage our operational teams to assess the airport and to ensure everything from catering to cleaning is set up in preparation,” Rachel continued.

And while new routes can be introduced at any point throughout the year, the airline will usually make any exciting announcements before flights go on sale for our winter and summer schedules.

This is usually around the end of October for winter and end of March for summer.

For example, last year the airline launched a winter route to Tromsø, and this winter, it is expanding its seasonal offering with two new BA Euroflyer routes – Rabat in Morocco and Graz in Austria, both starting this month.

Rachel added: “Ultimately, our goal is to fly where our customers want to go, and to do so with the world-class service they expect from British Airways.

“Last year alone, we welcomed 13 new aircraft into the fleet, including the Airbus A350-1000, four Boeing 787-10s, and several A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

“This continued investment opens exciting possibilities for our future network, and our teams are constantly evaluating new opportunities – so watch this space.”

kell no

Jack Osbourne’s furious sister rips into ‘bully’ Kelly Brook after I’m A Celeb row

MUM PAIN

I was arrested in front of daughter for WhatsApp message, £20k won’t erase trauma

British Airways crew also recently told Sun Travel their top European spots – from uncrowded Spanish cities to hidden gem neighbourhoods.

Plus, the insane training regime BA First Class flight attendants have to go through – with strict teapot and pillow rules.

THOUSANDS of travellers are being warned to brace for major disruption this weekend as engineering works are set to cause significant delays at the UK’s busiest airport.

Heathrow, which is set to handle around 84 million passengers this year, has announced that major rail connections to and from the airport will be closed this weekend while essential maintenance work is carried out.

The disruption will affect travellers using the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 15, prompting airport officials to advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Heathrow Airport announced the closure on X, formerly Twitter, warning: “Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line train services to/from Heathrow on Sat 15 & Sun 16 November 2025.

“Piccadilly Line services to/from #Heathrow will be running as normal. Please plan your journey in advance as other services will be busier than normal.”

The engineering works are taking place between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport stations, and according to National Rail, “all lines” on the route will be closed during the two-day period.

QUEUE KNEW

UK’s worst airport for flight delays revealed – does your local make the list?

GROUNDED

Thousands of Brits to be hit by major strike in Europe affecting all transport

The National Rail website also states: “No trains to / from London Heathrow Airport from Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 November.”

This means that both the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line will be completely out of service over the weekend, affecting thousands of passengers travelling to or from the airport.

Routes listed as affected include the Elizabeth line between Shenfield and Heathrow Airport and the Heathrow Express between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

To help travellers plan ahead, Heathrow has released the times of the final trains before the closures begin.

The last Heathrow Express service from Terminal 5 will leave at 11.57pm on Friday, while the final train from Terminals 2 and 3 will depart at 12.03am.

From London Paddington, the final Heathrow Express departs at 11.25pm.

As for the Elizabeth line, the final service to central London will depart Terminal 5 at 12.07am, Terminals 2 and 3 at 12.12am, and Terminal 4 at 11.37pm.

The last Elizabeth line train from Paddington will leave at 11.24pm.

Those travelling from Terminals 2 and 3 to Terminal 5 can catch the final Elizabeth line service at 11.37pm, while the last train from Terminal 4 to Terminals 2 and 3 departs at 11.52pm.

Despite the disruption, the Piccadilly line will continue to operate as normal, providing the only direct underground connection to Heathrow throughout the weekend.

Travellers are being urged to consider alternative routes, including TfL Rail replacement buses, coach services, and taxis, which are likely to experience increased demand.

A Heathrow spokesperson reminded passengers: “We encourage everyone travelling on 15 and 16 November to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journey.

“With trains not running, roads and alternative transport will be busier than usual.”

The works form part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at maintaining safety and reliability on the network.

However, the timing has sparked frustration among passengers planning half-term holidays and weekend getaways.

Experts have also warned that disruption could spill over into Monday morning as services return to normal and trains are repositioned.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

For up-to-date travel information, passengers are being advised to check the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, and National Rail websites before setting off.

The Sun has approached Heathrow for comment.

JET2 is launching nearly 30 flights next year from a new UK airport – for the first time ever.

The airline confirmed they are to start operating from London Gatwick in 2026.

It is the biggest new airline to launch from London Gatwick since 2020.

And flights are already on sale, with the first flight taking off to Tenerife on March 26, 2026.

Other new routes include destinations across Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Cyprus.

Bulgaria, Malta and Turkey will also gain new Jet2 flights from London Gatwick.

SPLASH OUT

All-inclusive hotel that’s the best in Europe with 10 pools and Jet2 flights 

JETTING OFF CANCELLED

What you need to do to cancel a Jet2 flight

The new routes will be operated by five new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The addition of Jet2 flights at London Gatwick takes their bases in the UK to 14.

Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy said: “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2.

“For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.”

He added that they saw “high demand” from passengers wanting to travel with Jet2 from London Gatwick, which he called a “game-changer” move.

The news was also welcomed by London Gatwick’s Chief Executive Pierre-Hugues.

They added: “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. 

“Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.”

The full list of flight destinations launching from London Gatwick with Jet2 in 2026 are:

• Fuerteventura – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Gran Canaria – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Lanzarote – two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday)
• Tenerife – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
• Ibiza – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Majorca – 10 weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and 2 x Sunday)
• Menorca – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Alicante – five weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Girona – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Malaga – four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Reus – three weekly services (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Faro (The Algarve) – ten weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, 2x Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and Sunday)
• Antalya – three weekly services (Monday, Friday and Saturday)
• Corfu – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Crete (Heraklion) – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Kalamata – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Kefalonia – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Kos – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Halkidiki – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Preveza – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Rhodes – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Skiathos – one weekly service (Tuesday)
• Zante – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Malta – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Naples – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Verona – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Paphos (Cyprus) – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Pula – one weekly service (Saturday)
• Bourgas (Bulgaria) – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)

Earlier this year, Jet2 celebrated 22 years of flying, after first launching back in 2003.

This was followed by the launch of Jet2holidays in 2007.

And it isn’t only London Gatwick that has new Jet2 flights.

The airline launched their first flights from London Luton back earlier this year, with the take off to Majorca on April 1.

This is alongside another 16 destinations in Europe including Greece, Spain and Portugal.

It was the first new airline base or London Luton in 20 years.

The services will fly to 17 destinations across Europe, including Greece, the Balearic Islands and Portugal.

Boss of Luton Airport, Alberto Martin, said that today was the “start of a bright future” and “a day of celebration”.

moving fast

MAFS couple PREGNANT days after they get married as strangers on show

WEDDING RIFT

Adam Peaty’s family feud escalates as he BANS mum from wedding to Holly Ramsay

It is the first time in 20 years that a new base airline has arrived at Luton.

Jet2 was also named the Most Trusted Travel Company in this year’s Sun Travel Awards, while Jet2holidays was named the Best Short Haul Operator.

MORE than 800 flights across the US have already been canceled as millions of travelers brace for even more chaos. 

Airlines have frantically cut routes after federal officials ordered 40 major airports to slash capacity. 

It comes as US vice president JD Vance warned the country faces an “aviation emergency.”

“The shutdown has now passed from farce into tragedy, and the consequences of this national emergency fall on every senator and congressman who refuses to open the government,” he railed.

The total number of canceled flights now stands at more than 800, according to FlightAware.

Dozens of flights originating out of Chicago airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Denver and Fort-Worth have been axed.

Forty flights departing Chicago have been axed, and 38 from Atlanta.

Southwest has canceled more than 120 flights, which is 3% of its total, while United has cut 2%.

At least 20 flights heading out of Los Angeles, Newark, and San Francisco have also been culled.

More than 1,200 flights are experiencing some form of delays.

Five percent of flights leaving JFK airport and Chicago are delayed.

Passengers arriving into Newark were met with three hour delays on Thursday night.

One airport worker told The New York Post the situation on Friday will be a nightmare.

“Tomorrow, the FAA will just shut down. Get out while you can,” they warned.

Federal officials have warned how the current shutdown is unprecedented.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bryan Bedford, the FAA administrator, said.

“Then again, we’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.

The current shutdown is the longest in US political history.

It surpassed the 2018-19 federal government closure, which Donald Trump also presided over, in terms of length.

FAA officials ordered a slew of airports to reduce capacity.

This is part of a bid to keep the skies safe while there is a shortage of air traffic control workers.

Air traffic controllers have gone without a full months pay because of the shutdown.

Airports on the FAA’s list include major hubs such as Los Angeles International, Orlando, New York’s JFK airport, and Miami.

San Francisco and Oakland airports are also on the list of hubs ordered to cut capacity by 10%.

Earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Americans that air travel would need to be reduced to prevent any casualties.

“We will restrict the airspace when we feel it’s not safe, if we don’t have enough controllers to effectively and safely manage our skies,” he said.

Airlines have responded to the FAA’s order.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, revealed schedules will be updated on a rolling basis.

The airline’s international flights are not impacted by the restrictions.

He revealed travelers can apply for a refund even if their flight isn’t delayed or canceled.

He expects the carrier to still offer around 4,000 flights a day despite the restrictions.

Southwest Airlines has said it will rebook impacted customers.

And, American will liaise with travelers about new flights if they are impacted.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers are working to end the shutdown.

Senate Democrats have voted 14 times not to reopen the government.

WIFE’S AGONY

Husband’s heart attack was start our of nightmare – vital mistake lost me £20k

MADDIE SCAM

I looked into the eyes of Maddie fraudster…Chilling move proved she was a sham

But, Senate Republicans want to bring forward new funding bills that will see the government reopen.

One bill top GOP lawmaker John Thune is proposing would see programs funded until December or January.

TRAIN travel can be very expensive in the UK, especially when you’re travelling halfway across the country.

But one train company that offers affordable tickets has applied to start two additional direct routes between major UK cities.

Lumo, which offers affordable journeys onboard its fleet of electric trains, has plans to add even more routes to its network.

FirstGroup, which owns Lumo, has revealed that it has submitted applications to begin new direct routes between Cardiff and York, and Rochdale and London Euston.

The Cardiff to York route would run via Birmingham, Derby, and Sheffield.

Meanwhile, the Rochdale to Euston route would stop at Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows, and Warrington Bank Quay.

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

The company hopes these routes will be operational by December 2028.

Lumo hopes to run return services between the cities to six times a day throughout the week from Cardiff to York.

It hopes that this journey would “replicate the success of the Edinburgh to London service” which Lumo started in 2021.

As for the Rochdale to London route, the application proposes three return services on weekdays and Sundays and four services every Saturday.

Lumo said this would provide residents of the north-west a “convenient and competitively priced” direct rail service to London. 

The train company also applied to extend its new route between Scotland’s Stirling and London Euston.

The service between Stirling and London has been approved and will start to run from next year.

The new application has asked for it to be extended past May 2030 when the contract currently ends.

Lumo’s new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert.

Lumo tries to keep its train fares affordable and aims for 60 per cent of its single fares to be under £30.

Onboard a Lumo train, there are no first class seat options. But wherever you sit, you’ll have USB sockets and tray tables.

Passengers can also personalise their lighting through the button on the back of the seat in front of them.

Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a winged headrest for comfort and a coat hanger.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

Lumo will connect two more major cities from December 2025…

Customers travelling between London and Glasgow can do so on a new Lumo service which starts in December 2025.

Lumo announced its new service on social media. It said: “Our new timetable starts on 14th December 2025!

“Our new Glasgow service will start in December and we’re also adding an additional service from Newcastle to London King’s Cross every weekday.”

Lumo plans to run two northbound and one southbound service on weekdays and one service in each direction on Sundays between London King’s Cross and Glasgow.

The new route will go between the two cities but will also stop at Falkirk High and Newcastle.

If booked in advance for journeys in 2026, tickets start from as little as £33.90. Anyone travelling from Newcastle to Glasgow can buy tickets for just £10.90.

For more on trains, here is the way that passengers can travel on UK trains without buying tickets.

Plus, this is where you can find the most beautiful train journey – it takes 10 minutes and costs £3.