Full list of Ryanair and easyJet’s ‘exciting’ new routes from major UK airports

Where will you jet off to? (Picture: Metro)

For holidaymakers outside London, it can often feel like the best flights, deals, and routes are confined to the capital.

However, things are changing thanks to everyone’s favourite (or not) budget airlines, Ryanair and easyJet.

The low-cost carriers have recently announced a slate of new routes to exciting destinations in Europe and beyond — all departing from regional UK airports, from Birmingham, all the way to Glasgow.

So has your local made the cut? Metro looks at each in detail, from prices to schedules. Plus, what to get up to while you’re away.

Glasgow’s gateway to Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the most vibrant capital cities on the continent. From quaint cobbled streets to kitschy trams and the infamous ‘Pink Street,’ it’s also the birthplace of Fado music and the much-loved pastel de nata.

Now, Scottish travellers will have easier access to the Portuguese capital from Glasgow, as easyJet has just added a direct route.

Flights are on sale for as little as £39.99, and will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: ‘The capital of Portugal is the ideal destination for travellers seeking a vibrant culinary escape as well as stunning scenery and a rich history.

‘In our 30th year, we remain committed to making travel easy by continuing to offer greater choice and exceptional value across our unrivalled  Scottish network.’

Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, called the Glasgow to Lisbon route an ‘exciting’ travel opportunity for people across the west of Scotland.

He said it ‘supports inbound tourism and business links at a time when demand for connectivity continues to grow.’

From Newcastle to Malta, Marrakesh and beyond

Travellers across the north east could have plenty of new stamps in their passports this year.

We mean digital ones, of course—the EU’s new entry and exit system (EES) is about to roll out on April 10.

Following a multi-million dollar investmen, Ryanair has announced four new destinations from Newcastle: Malta, Budapest, Marrakesh, and Brussels.

Budapest is one of Europe’s most popular city breaks (Picture: Getty Images)

To keep up with the new demand, the Irish carrier has added a third aircraft at Newcastle’s airport.

Travellers have the opportunity to bag these flights for as little as £29.99 as part of a ‘limited time seat sale.’

More than six million passengers are expected to purchase seats, contributing to a predicted record-breaking 2026.

Newcastle Airport’s director of aviation development, Leon McQuaid, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see Ryanair further investing in Newcastle Airport with the addition of new routes to Brussels Charleroi, Budapest, Malta and Marrakesh for Summer 2026, following such strong demand from our passengers.’

In Malta, wander around the capital, Valletta, or the famous Blue Lagoon, on Comino. In Budapest, marvel at the dramatic 19th-century architecture, visit the iconic thermal baths, and enjoy a tipple at one of the quirky ‘ruin’ pubs.

Or, get lost in Marrakech’s ancient ‘Red City,’ exploring the maze-like Medina souks, or spend the day in the vibrant Djemaa El Fna, the main square filled with snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls.

Finally, Brussels, Belgium’s capital, is home to the Grand-Place, a Gothic 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site often considered the most beautiful square in the world. There’s also a historic beer culture and world-class chocolate.

Additionally, Ryanair’s director of communications, Jade Kirwan, revealed that the new aircraft will increase frequencies on seven of the airline’s existing routes, including popular sun and city break destinations, like Barcelona, Faro, Krakow and Malaga.

Manchester to Castellón and Rimini

Another major northern airport is getting a destination glow-up thanks to Ryanair.

The airline is adding its 19th aircraft in Manchester for summer 2026, which is set to deliver over 540,000 additional seats.

Many of these will be for passengers heading to Castellón de la Plana, in the north of the Valencia region in eastern Spain, and Rimini, an Italian city on the Adriatic coast.

Relax in Rimini (Picture: Getty Images)

Castellón is seen as an authentic, less touristy, affordable alternative to Barcelona or Valencia.

Complete with Mediterranean beaches, 16th-century landmarks like El Fadrí and a charming historic centre home to the imposing Gothic Santa María Cathedral, it’s got all the ingredients for a perfect city break.

In Rimini, fly and flop on its 15km stretch of sandy beaches, or immerse yourself in Roman history at the Tiberius Bridge and Arch of Augustus.

San Giuliano is a charming, colourful fishing village on the other side of the bridge with painted murals and a relaxed pace of life.

Like the sound of both? The Castellón route is launching on June 1 and will operate twice a week until the end of September as part of Ryanair’s summer 2026 schedule. Flights start from £14.99.

The Rimini route takes off two days later on June 3, and will also operate two flights per week. Fares are also low, averaging around £25.

Birmingham to Agadir, Tirana and Rome

Finally, Birmingham Airport has opened up five new routes just in time for summer, to hotspots in Morocco, Italy, Albania and Poland.

This is thanks to Ryanair bringing its ninth aircraft to the airport, which will aim to deliver more than 424,000 additional seats.

The £29.99 app sale is also available for these routes, which launched in March and April.

In North Africa, travellers can choose between Agadir — the ‘Miami of Morocco’ — and Marrakesh.

The former is perhaps the country’s most famous seaside resort, boasting a 10km-long sandy beach, year-round sun, and activities like surfing, eating fresh seafood, shopping at Souk El Had and trekking the hilltop Agadir Oufella, where you’ll find panoramic city views.

Rome’s Trastevere district is the perfect place for people-watching (Picture: Getty Images)

Italy’s capital, Rome, is also on the Birmingham list. As one of the most famous — and oldest — cities in the world, millions of travellers descend each year to visit popular sites like the Trevi Fountain (which has just introduced a €2 access fee), the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Away from the historical must-sees, my favourite part of Rome is aimlessly wandering through the many piazzas and districts, grabbing a cooling gelato, or stopping for a glass of wine to people-watch. Trastevere, a cobbled bohemian neighbourhood on the west bank of the Tiber River, is a highlight.

Tirana is Albania’s up-and-coming capital, famed for memories of its Communist past and a food scene that blends Mediterranean and Balkan flavours.

Metro’s Martina Andretta visited this underrated city last year and spent less than £70 a day. She described it as a perfect place for those wanting to save pennies but still travel.

Highlights included climbing the Enver Hoxha pyramid (with its 115 steps) for a view of the city, particularly at sunset, to trying a selection of raki drinks, a traditional Albanian spirit.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, can also be accessed from Birmingham. Rebuilt after WWII, explore the reconstructed Old Town (UNESCO site), or indulge in the affordable — and moreish — food scene. Pierogi, anyone?

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