10 exciting new flight routes from the UK and Europe in 2024

Whether in search of a northern lights adventure in Scandinavia, a lesser-known Middle Eastern escape or a far-flung trip to the Malaysian capital, there are so many captivating new destinations to fly to from the UK’s top airports in 2024. 

Among the new services is the UK’s first direct route to Luxor, a short-haul service connecting Northern England to Malta, plus several re-launched flights to exotic destinations finally returning post-pandemic.

Here, we pick some of our favourite upcoming services to plan your next trip around.

Norse Atlantic is launching its inaugural service to Africa with a direct flight to Cape Town, South Africa – with return fares starting from less than £500. Flights will run three times per week starting 28 October 2024, bringing travellers from London Gatwick to Cape Town International Airport in approximately 11 hours.

With its Cape of Good Hope long being mistakenly referred to as the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Town is the oldest European-established capital in the continent which has served as a major port for traders from Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa. Table Mountain – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Bo-Kaap neighbourhood’s brightly coloured houses and cobblestone streets offer Cape Malay flavours. And no trip to Cape Town would be complete without sampling the world-class wines from the renowned Cape Winelands region – or a safari in search for the Big Five.

For an alternative Middle Eastern escape, British Airways are relaunching a year-round route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second largest city, after a five-year hiatus. Starting on 6 November, the flights will leave four times per week from London Heathrow to King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Situated on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is the country’s commercial capital infused with historic wonders. You will find the modern skyscrapers such as Jeddah Tower, while also the old town Al Balad with an experience of the traditional Arab way of life. Jeddah also serves as a gateway for pilgrims en route to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca.

Malaysia is now within reach again thanks to the re-launch of British Airways’ direct service following a four-year suspension. From 10 November 2024, flights will be operating on a daily basis with passengers able to pick from its four service classes – first, business, premium economy and economy. The route will fly London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures. Merdeka Square is where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957, surrounded by colonial-era buildings. Religious landmarks – Batu Caves, a limestone hill with Hindu temples and shrines. Jalan Alor offers street food such as Nasi Lemak.

Thailand is returning to British Airways’ map this winter to transport travellers to the intoxicating capital of Bangkok. From 28 October 2024, you’ll be able to fly three times a week from London Gatwick to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Bangkok always extends a warm welcome. Head straight to one of the city’s famous markets – such as Wang Lang – to tuck into a taste of its sweet, salty, sour, and spicy Southeast Asian cuisine, from the mouth-watering Tom Yum Goong to the beloved mango sticky rice. The city’s full of cultural marvels too, from the sacred Wat Arun temple and the Royal Grand Palace. Many travellers often merge a trip to cultural capital with a more laid-back adventure on Thailand’s paradise islands: try swapping overcrowded spots such as Ko Samui with a lesser-visited gem, such as Koh Lipe.

The lesser-known ‘Capital of North Iceland’, Akureyri, is now more accessible thanks to Easyjet’s new direct route, currently the only airline in the UK flying to this northern Icelandic destination. The twice-weekly route departs every Tuesday and Saturday commencing 12 November 2024, from Manchester Airport to Akureyri Airport.

Located at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður Fjord, Akureyri is perfect for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation, from whale watching in Eyjafjörður to snowshoeing on Hlíðarfjall mountain. The Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, features a worldwide plant collection. Akureyri is also a gateway to the Arctic Coast Way, a 900-km road trip that runs along the northern coastline close to the Arctic Circle. With a summer and winter route, this epic drive introduces some of Iceland’s lesser-known experiences and remotest communities. 

Another Red Sea destination will be much more accessible from the UK this winter, as TUI is set to launch its direct flight from Manchester to Luxor in southern Egypt. Starting from 7 November 2024, the weekly flight will bring travellers straight to the heart of Ancient Egypt in just six hours. It will also be the only direct service to Luxor from the UK.

On the east bank of the Nile River you’ll find Luxor, named the World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum for its Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and Colossi of Memnon monument. Luxor was built on the ruins of Thebes, the illustrious capital of the New Kingdom of Egypt and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But one of the best ways to explore the region’s ancient treasures is by cruising along the Nile River, making stops at historic temples and colourful bazaars along the way.

Direct flights from Scotland to Dubai are coming back with a daily service offered by Emirates starting from 4 November. Travellers will once again be connected to the modern city and its surrounding emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Touristy Dubai can be an exciting stopover, home to the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa – and the traditional Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. But there’s plenty more to be discovered in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has one of the world’s largest mosques, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Ras Al Khaimah introduces visitors to the country’s little-known naturual side, encompassing desert, coastline and mountains. Elsewhere, Fujairah owns some of the oldest forts in the region with Jazīrat al Ghubbah (Snoopy Island) the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving.

Your northern lights exploration is just 4.5 hours away, with Easyjet’s new direct flight to the Arctic Circle in Tromsø , Norway. Flying every Thursday and Sunday starting from 5 December 2024, the route will operate throughout winter. Direct flights to Tromsø will also be available from London Gatwick and Manchester on 11 November and 19 November in 2024 respectively.

Tromsø is often visited by travellers hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, whether on a cruise or a husky sled ride, but there’s also stunning fjords, Indigenous culture and local wildlife right on the city’s doorstep. Take a boat tour to explore the surrounding icy waters and mountainous wilderness, filled with sea birds, elk, and in winter, whales! To learn more about the region, a trip to the Tromsø Museum provides further insight into Northern Norway’s history and culture, as well as the natural science behind the northern lights phenomena.

Easyjet’s upcoming twice-weekly flight to Malta from Liverpool will commence from 10 December 2024. Taking off every Tuesday and Saturday year-round from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the new service will encourage an alternative Mediterranean getaway residents of North-West England. 

Despite being a small country, Malta’s culture is bountiful. Dating back to around 5900 BC, it showcases influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French, and British. Malta is the largest of the three inhabited islands, with its two smaller islands being Gozo and Comino. The capital of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its baroque architecture and some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, such as the Hagar Qim Temple.

The only direct flight between Europe and Florianopolis will be offered by TAP Air Portugal this autumn, connecting travellers to Florianopolis in just 11 hours with return fares starting at £515. From 3 September 2024, the thrice-weekly flights from Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon will travel to Hercílio Luz International Airport in Florianopolis.

Spanning both the mainland and Santa Catarina Island, Florianopolis in southern Brazil is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. As well as more than 40 pristine beaches, the city is home to a large saltwater lagoon surrounded by hills and sand dunes, and popular for activities such as paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking. A short boat ride from the mainland to Campeche Island transports travellers to archaeological sites and hiking trails. Florianopolis is also renowned for its lively nightlife, with carnival (February/March) being an excellent time for partygoers to visit.