Britons looking for more holiday options are in luck, as a number of airlines expand the routes on offer from London Stansted in 2026.
As part of this, Turkish Airlines is touching down at the Essex airport for the very first time on March 18, offering flights to Istanbul up to 15 times each week.
The carrier ranks among the world's largest airlines, and its Istanbul hub opens doors to 353 onward destinations spanning Asia, Africa, Australia and beyond.
For anyone dreaming of far-flung adventures, this makes getting there much easier.
More flights will go from the UK to Istanbul | GETTY Budget airlines are also getting in on the action with new routes. Ryanair will kick off twice-weekly flights to Malmo in Sweden from April 1, plus extra services to Glasgow starting March 29.
Budget airline easyJet is launching Paris Charles de Gaulle connections from March 5, making a quick city break to the French capital more convenient.
And for those who can't resist Turkey's stunning coastline, AJet is introducing flights to Bodrum from June 26.
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Holidaymakers departing from Stansted will have even more choice for their getaways as other carriers plan new routes this year.
Jet2.com is enhancing its programme with new routes to Jerez in Spain from May 1, the Greek island of Samos from May 7, and La Palma in the Canaries from October 26.
TUI is adding Kos flights from May 7, while BA CityFlyer will start whisking passengers off to Olbia in Sardinia from May 23.
Commercial director at London Stansted, Ciaran Brannigan, said: "We’re delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience. London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike.”
Holidaymakers have more options for trips to Paris
| GETTYIn more new route news, Wizz Air has announced six brand new flights to Spain, Portugal and more from next summer.
Starting on June 12, 2026, the budget carrier will be flying passengers to some popular destinations from London Luton airport.
New routes include Yerevan in Armenia, plus Alicante in Spain, Lyon in France, Corfu in Greece, Faro in Portugal and Turin in Italy.
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