All of the big new flight routes launching in 2025 including winter sun islands and up-and-coming cities
TRYING to decide on your next holiday destination can be a tricky decision, with passenger numbers hitting an all time high.
Predictions by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) say as many as five billion people are expected to travel this year – higher than pre-Covid 2029 numbers by 400million.
And this is expected to be even higher next year, we’ve rounded up some of the big new flight routes being launched by airlines such as British Airways and easyJet, that you should get excited about in 2025.
From beautiful winter sun islands to up-and-coming cities, make sure to add these to your travel list next year.
EasyJet – Cape Verde
EasyJet is launching its longest flight yet, with new routes to Cape Verde next year.
Taking off from London Gatwick from March 31, the flights will land on the island of Sal.
Flights will depart from Gatwick at 10am, arriving at 2:10pm, while return flights will take off at 3:05pm and arrive in the UK at 10:55pm.
Outbound flights will depart London Gatwick at 10am, arriving in the tropical island at 2.10pm later that day.
Return services will then leave Cape Verde at 3.05pm before arriving in the UK at 10.55pm.
Natasha Marson, easyJet holidays Head of Trade Distribution said: “Sal is a fantastic island with so much to offer, including year-round sunshine, so we’re confident it’s going to be a huge success with our travel agent partners and their customers.”
Other new easyJet routes being launched next year include:
- Manchester and Edinburgh to Milan from March 2025
- London Gatwick to Rimini from April 2025
- London Luton to Tbilisi from April 2025
- Birmingham to Gran Canaria and Malta from May and June 2025
- Bristol to Almeria and Palermo from June 2025
TUI – Palma
TUI is returning to Southampton Airport for the first time in 15 years with a new flight to Palma.
Having left the airport in 2009, the new flight to Spain will launch from May 27, 2025.
It will operate once a week, taking off on Tuesdays.
Karen Switzer, TUI UK’s director of aviation planning, said: “We understand how important it is for customers to have access to flights from their local airports, and this latest addition brings the number of regional airports that Tui Airways flies from to 24.”
And next year, TUI is launching new Cardiff to Barbados flights in February 2026, as well as Cardiff to Cancun flights in March 2026
Other new TUI flights include:
- London Luton to Paphos from May 2025
- Bournemouth to Majorca from May 2025
- London Gatwick to Porto from May 2025
- East Midlands to Burgas and Cape Verde from summer 2025
- London Stansted to Enfidha from summer 2025
- Exeter to Ibiza from summer 2025
- Cardiff to Fuerteventura from December 2025
British Airways – Tbilisi
British Airways is launching a new flight from London Heathrow to Tbilisi next year.
Starting from March 30, it will be the first direct route from the UK to Georgia since 2020.
Flights will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, leaving Heathrow at 9:25pm and arriving 5:30am.
British Airways has also revealed plans to relaunch London Heathrow flights to Kuala Lumpur after five years.
The route was due to start earlier this years but has now been delayed to April 2025.
Other new British Airways flight routes next year include:
- London Gatwick to Salerno from May 2025
- London City to Olbia from May 2025
- London Heathrow to Rimini from May 2025
Virgin Atlantic – Cancun
A new route from London Heathrow to Cancun is being launched by Virgin Atlantic.
Starting from October 19, 2025, it will be the only direct Heathrow route.
The airline previously flew to the Mexican holiday hotspot back in 2019, although these were suspended.
From October 19, 2025, Brits will be able to travel from the UK’s biggest airport to the Mexican destination – the only direct flight from Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic cancelled the route back in 2019, so will be the first route in six years.
The flights will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving at 10:10am and arriving at 4:15pm.
Return flights will leave Cancun at 6:45pm. arriving at 9:05am the following morning.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Offer, Virgin Atlantic, said they were “delighted” to be relaunching the flights for the first time in six years.
They added: “Cancun has an amazing nightlife and dining scene, dreamy sandy beaches, plus it’s the perfect gateway to Mayan ruins and adventure travel in the region.
“We can’t wait for more of our customers to enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s trademark fiesta and flair, on their way to Mexico.”
Other new Virgin Atlantic routes include:
- London Heathrow to Saudi Arabia from March 2025
- London Heathrow to Accra from May 2025
Luggage Rules for Major Airlines
British Airways
- Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg.
- Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more.
EasyJet
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat.
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg.
Ryanair
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags.
Virgin Atlantic
- Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags.
- Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags.
Emirates
- Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
A number of other airlines are launching new flights from the UK, including:
- Air Canada – London Heathrow to Ottawa from March 2025
- KLM – Exeter to Amsterdam from March 2025
- American Airlines – Edinburgh to Philadelphia from May 205