If your clients prefer flying from their local airport rather than trekking to London, there’s good news. Six easyJet routes launched earlier this year from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Bristol, and they’re creating fresh booking opportunities heading into 2026.
TL;DR
- Milan Linate now has daily year-round flights from Manchester and Edinburgh (launched March 2025)
- Bristol gained Almeria (year-round) and Palermo (summer seasonal) routes in June 2025
- Birmingham added Gibraltar (year-round) and Bordeaux (summer seasonal)
- A 19th aircraft based at Bristol supports the southwest expansion
- easyJet holidays packages start from £230pp including flights, hotel, luggage, and transfers
The Milan Linate Story
Here’s something worth knowing: Milan Linate sits 7 kilometres from the city centre, compared to Malpensa’s 50 kilometres. A taxi from Linate to the Duomo takes 15-20 minutes. The new M4 metro connects directly to San Babila station in about 15 minutes for around £5.
For weekend city break clients, this changes the Milan conversation entirely. What was once a destination with awkward airport logistics is now genuinely accessible for a two or three-night stay.
Daily flights operate year-round from both Manchester and Edinburgh, with fares starting from £23.99.
Bristol’s Mediterranean Additions
Two routes launched from Bristol in late June 2025, each serving different client needs.
Almeria flies twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) on a year-round basis. Located on Spain’s southeastern coast, it’s Europe’s driest region with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the Cabo de Gata natural park, and a tapas scene that rivals better-known Spanish cities all await. Fares start from £29.99.
Palermo operates twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) as a summer seasonal service. Sicily’s capital blends Norman palaces, Arab markets, and Baroque churches into a layered cultural experience. Day trips reach Mount Etna, Taormina, and the Valley of the Temples. Starting fares from £34.99.
The expansion brought a 19th aircraft to Bristol Airport, an Airbus A320neo supporting approximately 400 jobs in the region.
Birmingham’s New Connections
Gibraltar launched in June with twice-weekly year-round flights (Thursdays and Sundays). As a British Overseas Territory, it offers Mediterranean weather with familiar language and cultural touchstones. The Rock and its Barbary macaques remain one of Europe’s most distinctive landmarks. Fares start from £26.99.
Bordeaux operates twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) as a summer seasonal route. France’s wine capital has UNESCO World Heritage recognition for its 18th-century architecture and a transformed riverfront. Starting fares from £23.99.
The Package Picture
easyJet holidays bundles packages to all six destinations from £230 per person, including flights, hotel, 23kg luggage, and transfers for beach holidays. Everything comes with ATOL protection and their Ultimate Flexibility policy.
For clients who have returned to booking packages for financial protection and convenience, these represent solid options without the hassle of piecing components together separately.
Agent Advantage Insight
These routes address a genuine client need: quality European destinations without the London airport detour. For clients in the northwest, Scotland, the Midlands, or the southwest, the regional departure points save three to four hours of travel time and eliminate expensive parking or train fares. The Milan Linate access, in particular, opens up weekend city breaks that the Malpensa distance made less appealing. With 2026 bookings now in focus, it’s worth flagging these options to clients who consistently fly from regional airports.
