EasyJet launches its longest ever holiday flight from England

EasyJet has announced a new longest route from England.

The low-cost airline said it will fly between Gatwick Airport and the island of Sal in Cape Verde from March 31 next year.

The flight will take almost six hours.

The distance of 2,332 nautical miles exceeds the carrier’s current longest route serving an English airport, which is between Manchester and the Egyptian resort of Hurghada (2,240 nautical miles).

EasyJet’s longest route across its entire network will remain between Belfast and Hurghada (2,400 nautical miles).

Three return flights between Gatwick and Sal will operate each week using A320neo aircraft and are scheduled to last up to five hours and 50 minutes.

Sal, which has warm weather all year round, will be the first destination in sub-Saharan Africa to be served by easyJet.

Gatwick-Sal was among 26 new summer routes announced by easyJet, including 21 serving the UK.

Ali Gayward, easyJet UK Country Manager, said: “We are proud to release such an incredible range of new routes and package holidays, giving customers more choice to visit more of the places they love across Europe and experience something incredible. destinations.

“This includes a milestone easyJet route to beautiful Cape Verde, our first ever sub-Saharan route.

“Our continued growth and investment in the UK and the connectivity we offer our customers underlines the importance of the market to us, where this year we completed more flights than ever before.

“So with 21 new services now available from 10 airports across the UK, our flights and holidays are available to even more new destinations next summer, giving customers even more fantastic choice and great value.”

Wizz Air announced in September that it will operate the UK’s first low-cost airlines to Saudi Arabia.

The airline will begin flying between Gatwick and Jeddah from March 31 next year with its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

The route is 2,546 nautical miles.

Other new routes

If you’re looking for holiday inspiration in 2025, check out these other new routes.

Best for off the beaten track: Sierra Leone

Despite numerous British links – including a shared language, this beach-lined West African country has been difficult and expensive to reach for the past few years. As part of a new tourism strategy, the government has helped form the new national carrier Air Sierra Leone, with direct flights from Gatwick to the capital Freetown on 2 December. Golden sands and a choice of 19 islands are a good option for winter sun seekers, while wildlife fans can seek out several species of primates on the inland river island of Tiwai.

Best for adventure: Ghana

Another English-speaking West African country to step into the limelight is Ghana. Previously off the map for most leisure travelers, exploring will be much easier with new escorted tours from Explore. Intrepid will combine it with the neighboring countries of Benin and Togo. Launching from Heathrow, Virgin’s new route to Accra from Heathrow will start from winter 2025. Learn how the slave trade has shaped modern Africa by visiting Cape Coast, discover colorful fabrics on the Kente looms and see Accra’s bizarre fantasy coffins – including caskets shaped like giant crabs and a racing car.

Best for a city break: Tbilisi, Georgia

Steeped in history dating back to the 5th century AD. and praised for its hedonistic nightlife, Georgia’s refreshingly affordable capital is now a serious contender for a city break thanks to two new routes: easyJet will launch a direct flight from Luton on 1 April, while British Airways will operate from Heathrow from 30 March. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, take a dip in a traditional bathhouse and hang out in the bars and cafes of Mtatsminda.

Best for food and wine: Jerez, Spain

Sip sherry in a bodega or sunbathe on the beaches along the Costa de la Luz within hours of leaving gray and rainy England. From May 2 to November 1, Jet2 will fly direct seasonal flights to the Andalusian city from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. Famous for its equestrian heritage, schools and fairs showcase the region’s famous horses. As the birthplace of flamenco, small bars continue to overflow with traditional music and dance.

Best for History: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A controversial destination due to its history of human rights abuses, the Middle East superpower has pulled out all the stops to create a booming tourism story. The treasures on offer are remarkable – from the sculpted sandstone formations and Nabatean tombs of AlUla to the surprisingly trendy city of Jeddah. Arrive in the country in appropriate style on Virgin’s new route to the capital Riyadh, launching in March 2025.