TL;DR
- EasyJet launches Manchester to Preveza from 24 June 2026, joining Jet2.com and TUI on the route
- Jet2.com starts Manchester to Samos from 5 May 2026 as the only direct UK service
- Preveza serves Lefkada island, a quieter alternative to Corfu with beaches and Venetian charm
- Samos offers foodie credentials with local honey, cheese, olive oil and Muscat wine
- Both routes expand Manchester Airport’s 200+ destination network for summer 2026
The Headline News
If you’ve got clients eyeing up Greece for 2026, there’s some fresh flight news worth knowing about. EasyJet and Jet2 have both announced new routes from Manchester to a couple of Greek destinations that might not be on everyone’s radar yet.
From late June, easyJet will fly to Preveza, putting them alongside Jet2.com and TUI on that route. Meanwhile, Jet2.com is getting a head start in early May with flights to Samos, and they’ll be the only carrier offering a direct link from the UK. Both routes give your clients more ways to reach parts of Greece that don’t always get the same attention as the usual suspects.
What Makes These Destinations Interesting
Preveza sits opposite Lefkada island, which tends to fly under the radar compared to its better-known neighbour, Corfu. Think beaches without quite so many crowds, Venetian architecture in the towns, and proper Greek tavernas where the locals still eat. It’s the sort of place that appeals to clients who want a Greek island experience but prefer somewhere a bit less discovered.
Samos, on the other hand, has a strong foodie angle. The island produces honey, cheese, olive oil and Muscat wine that people tend to rave about. For Instagram purposes, there are beaches like Tsamadou and Potami that photograph beautifully. It’s a good option for clients who want their holiday to have a bit of culinary exploration woven into the beach time.
The Practical Bit
EasyJet’s Preveza service starts on 24 June 2026 from Manchester. With three carriers now on the route, there should be decent frequency and competitive pricing, which makes packaging easier.
Jet2.com’s Samos flights begin earlier, on 5 May 2026, also from Manchester. Being the sole direct service gives Jet2 a clear advantage here if you’ve got clients keen on this particular island. It’s worth noting that exclusivity on a route often means you can offer something competitors can’t match.
Both airlines continue to serve the Greek classics too. You’ll still find easyJet flights from Gatwick to Corfu, Heraklion, Kalamata, Kefalonia, Kos, Halkidiki, Rhodes, Skiathos and Zakynthos. For winter sun seekers, there are London-Thessaloniki flights, plus Bristol and Edinburgh to Athens for the 2025-26 winter season.
The Bigger Picture
These additions are part of Manchester Airport’s expansion to seven new routes for 2026, building on an already substantial network. More direct flights from regional airports make your job simpler: less connection faff, easier logistics, and clients who start their holiday feeling calmer.
Greece continues to hold strong appeal for British holidaymakers, and having fresh options helps keep your offerings interesting. When everyone else is selling Santorini and Mykonos, being able to suggest Lefkada or Samos gives you a different conversation to have.
Agent Advantage Insight
Position Preveza as the smarter alternative for clients who love the idea of Corfu but want fewer tourists, and pitch Samos to food-focused travellers who want local flavour alongside their beach days. The early May start date for Samos also opens up late spring bookings before peak summer prices kick in.
