The United Kingdom is strengthening its travel links with Greece as TUI prepares to roll out new direct flights to the popular island of Kos from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted for summer twenty twenty-six, a move driven by rising demand for easy, non-stop Mediterranean holidays and the growing appetite for regional airport departures. By expanding access beyond London hubs, the new services make Greek island travel more convenient for travellers across southern and regional England, while boosting tourism flows to Greece, easing pressure on major airports, and reinforcing Kos as a key summer destination for British holidaymakers.

TUI is expanding its presence in the Greek holiday market with the launch of new direct flights to the island of Kos from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted, scheduled to begin in summer 2026. The move represents a strategic step in strengthening regional air connectivity between the United Kingdom and Greece, while responding to sustained demand for Mediterranean holidays among British travelers.

The announcement is particularly significant for regional airports in southern England. Bournemouth and Exeter will, for the first time, offer nonstop services to Kos, removing the need for travelers to rely on connecting flights or long journeys to larger London airports. This change is expected to make overseas travel more convenient for passengers living in the South West and along the south coast, areas that have traditionally had fewer direct options to popular Greek islands.

London Stansted, meanwhile, will see the return of a Kos route that was last operated in 2019. The reinstatement reflects renewed confidence in leisure travel demand and the growing appetite for sun-focused destinations as international travel continues to normalize and expand beyond pre-pandemic levels. Together, the three departure points create a wider and more balanced network for travelers heading to the eastern Aegean.

The new flights are designed to support a broad range of holiday styles. Travelers will be able to book short three-night breaks as well as longer stays of seven, ten, or fourteen nights. This flexibility aligns with changing travel behavior, where some passengers prefer quick getaways, while others continue to favor longer, more traditional holidays. By offering multiple stay lengths, the routes are positioned to appeal to families, couples, solo travelers, and budget-conscious holidaymakers alike.

Improved flexibility is also expected to encourage more frequent travel. Shorter breaks allow travelers to plan spontaneous trips or fit holidays around work and school schedules, while extended stays cater to those seeking a slower, more relaxed experience. This variety is becoming increasingly important as travelers look for greater control over how and when they travel.

The expansion reflects Greece’s enduring popularity in the UK market. Greek islands have long been among the most in-demand summer destinations for British tourists, thanks to reliable sunshine, diverse landscapes, and a wide range of accommodation options. Kos, in particular, appeals to travelers seeking a mix of beach-focused holidays, historical attractions, and easy island navigation, making it suitable for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.

By adding new regional routes, TUI is widening access to this demand rather than concentrating it solely in London. This approach helps distribute passenger traffic more evenly across UK airports and reduces pressure on major hubs. It also supports regional airport growth by increasing international leisure connectivity, which can have wider economic benefits for local communities through increased passenger volumes and airport-related employment.

The new services form part of a broader expansion of UK-to-southern Europe air travel planned for 2026. Across the market, airlines are adding routes and increasing frequencies to Mediterranean destinations as confidence in leisure travel continues to strengthen. This trend highlights the resilience of sun-and-sea tourism, even as travelers become more selective about value, flexibility, and convenience.

Southern Europe, and Greece in particular, remains well positioned to benefit from these shifts. Short flight times from the UK, established tourism infrastructure, and strong seasonal demand make Greek islands a natural focus for airline expansion. The addition of more direct routes also supports destination competitiveness by making travel simpler and more accessible for a wider range of passengers.

For Kos, the introduction of direct flights from three UK airports is expected to deliver a noticeable boost in visitor numbers during the 2026 summer season. Easier access typically translates into higher demand, especially from travelers who may have previously chosen alternative destinations due to limited flight options. Increased arrivals from the UK market can also support local businesses, accommodation providers, and tourism services across the island.

Greater connectivity may also help extend the season at the margins. While peak summer remains the busiest period, improved access can encourage travel in early and late summer, supporting a more balanced tourism calendar. This can ease pressure during the busiest months while creating more stable demand over a longer period.

The focus on flexible travel durations is likely to play a role in this seasonal spread. Short breaks are particularly attractive in shoulder months, when travelers seek sunshine without the peak-season crowds. Longer stays, meanwhile, remain popular during school holidays and high summer, when families and long-haul travelers tend to book extended trips.

From a UK perspective, the expansion underscores the growing role of regional airports in international leisure travel. As airlines invest in new routes beyond London, travelers benefit from reduced travel times to airports, lower congestion, and a more streamlined journey overall. This shift also reflects changing expectations, with passengers increasingly valuing convenience and direct access over traditional hub-and-spoke travel.

Looking ahead to summer 2026, the new Kos routes are set to strengthen ties between the UK and Greece while reinforcing Kos’s position as a key destination in the eastern Mediterranean. By combining new regional connections with flexible booking options, the expansion is well aligned with current travel trends and passenger preferences.

The United Kingdom is expanding direct air links to Greece as TUI launches new summer twenty twenty-six flights to Kos from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted, responding to strong demand for non-stop Greek island holidays and better regional airport access. The move makes Mediterranean travel easier for UK travellers while driving tourism growth for Greece and easing congestion at major hubs.

Overall, the launch of direct flights from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted marks an important step in expanding choice, improving accessibility, and supporting continued growth in UK–Greece leisure travel. For travelers, it means more departure options and greater freedom to shape holidays around their own schedules. For Kos, it signals stronger visibility and increased appeal in one of its most important source markets during the 2026 summer season.