Passengers in the Midlands are set for a significant boost in travel options, with the region's two major airports announcing a total of 19 new routes for 2026. Both Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport will expand their networks, offering fresh connections to popular European destinations.
Expanding Horizons from the Heart of England
The expansion underscores the growing demand for air travel from the Midlands region. Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport, which collectively serve millions of passengers annually, are strengthening their positions as key international hubs. The new services, operated by carriers including Ryanair, Jet2, and SunExpress, are already available for booking, allowing travellers to plan their getaways well in advance.
New Routes from East Midlands Airport (EMA)
East Midlands Airport is introducing several notable services. Jet2 has confirmed a brand-new winter route to Gdansk, Poland, as part of its 2026/27 winter schedule. This service will run twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, operating from November 27 to December 21, 2026.
Furthermore, Jet2CityBreaks has launched holiday packages from EMA to Geneva, Switzerland for the Winter 2025/26 season, providing easy access to the Alpine region.
In a significant move for sun-seekers, SunExpress will launch a new scheduled passenger service from East Midlands Airport to Antalya, Turkey. This route will operate from Easter through to the end of October in 2026, with flights scheduled up to three times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays (peak summer only), and Fridays. Departures are set for mid-morning.
A Boost for Regional Connectivity and Tourism
The introduction of these 19 new routes represents a major investment in the Midlands' transport infrastructure. It provides local residents with greater choice and convenience for both leisure and business travel, potentially reducing the need to travel to airports in London or Manchester for certain destinations.
For the regional economy, the expanded connectivity is expected to boost tourism inbound to the Midlands and support businesses with links to Europe. The range of destinations—from historic Polish cities to Turkish beach resorts and Swiss alpine centres—caters to a wide variety of traveller interests.
With bookings already open, passengers are advised to check the respective airline and airport websites for full details on schedules, fares, and additional new routes that may be announced from Birmingham Airport as part of this 2026 expansion.
