Wednesday, July 2, 2025

In a bold move to strengthen its UK-to-Spain travel portfolio, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced the launch of new year-round flights to the stunning Canary Island of La Palma, departing from both Manchester and London Stansted. Starting in April 2026, this strategic expansion aims to meet growing demand for off-the-beaten-path European destinations, offering British holidaymakers greater access to one of Spain’s most unspoiled and scenic islands. Known for its volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and world-renowned stargazing, La Palma is emerging as a top choice for nature-loving travellers seeking a peaceful yet adventurous getaway. Jet2’s expansion not only enhances connectivity but also supports its commitment to providing flexible, reliable, and high-quality holiday experiences from key UK airports.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced an exciting expansion of their flight and holiday offerings from Manchester Airport, unveiling plans to launch direct services to La Palma in the Canary Islands starting in 2026. Recognised as one of Europe’s emerging travel destinations, La Palma—often dubbed the “best-kept secret” of the Canary Islands—is now set to become more accessible for UK travellers through these newly introduced services.

Beginning on April 3, 2026, Jet2 will operate direct flights from Manchester Airport to La Palma twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. These year-round connections aim to provide flexible travel options for both holidaymakers seeking a long weekend escape and those planning extended stays. In a further boost to its winter programme, Jet2 also confirmed that London Stansted Airport will join the La Palma route network starting in the winter 2026/2027 season, ensuring even more accessibility for travellers in the South of England.

The announcement is part of Jet2’s ongoing strategy to enhance its presence at key UK airports while introducing customers to lesser-explored but highly rewarding destinations. La Palma, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and exceptional stargazing conditions, has long been overshadowed by more frequented Canary Island spots like Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However, this new commitment by Jet2 signals a strategic bet on the rising popularity of quieter, nature-rich destinations, aligning with increasing demand for alternative holiday locations that offer both tranquility and adventure.

As La Palma prepares to welcome more UK visitors, Manchester Airport is simultaneously undergoing a major infrastructure overhaul to better serve growing passenger volumes. The airport’s transformation programme, originally launched in 2015, continues to reshape the travel experience in the North of England. One of the major elements of this redevelopment is the expansion of Terminal 2 and the eventual closure of Terminal 1. However, rather than decommissioning all aspects of the older infrastructure, airport authorities have revealed plans to reinvest in Terminal 3.

Terminal 3 will be significantly modernised, including upgrades to its entrance, security facilities, and departure lounge. The redesign will not only provide passengers with more space and a smoother transit experience but also introduce new retail options and aesthetic improvements that bring the terminal in line with the rest of the airport’s renewed look. These enhancements are intended to support the airport’s long-term capacity needs, especially with the growing number of flights and services being introduced by major carriers like Jet2.com.

The revitalisation of Terminal 3 also aligns well with Jet2’s route expansion. As the Northern hub gears up for increased passenger traffic, the improvements will help accommodate the influx of holidaymakers flying to sun-drenched destinations such as La Palma. By offering consistent and well-timed services throughout the year, Jet2 is not only providing convenience for travellers but also supporting the local tourism economies at both ends of the route.

Jet2holidays, the leisure arm of the airline, will also offer package deals to La Palma as part of the expansion. These packages include a wide variety of accommodations—from boutique hotels to family-friendly resorts—and will be complemented by Jet2’s customer-friendly policies such as low deposits, flexible payment options, and ATOL protection. This makes La Palma an even more attractive choice for British holidaymakers seeking dependable and seamless holiday experiences.

The strategic move to offer year-round flights is expected to benefit more than just leisure travellers. It also opens opportunities for travel agents, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders to promote La Palma as a four-season destination. Whether it’s hiking through Caldera de Taburiente National Park, exploring local banana plantations, or enjoying the island’s UNESCO-protected night skies, La Palma provides a wealth of authentic and immersive experiences.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are expanding their UK-Spain routes with year-round flights to La Palma from Manchester and London Stansted, offering travellers easy access to one of Spain’s most breathtaking and lesser-known Canary Islands.

With new flight routes on the horizon and terminal improvements well underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for both Manchester Airport and Jet2.com. As UK travellers increasingly seek out unique and quieter destinations, La Palma stands poised to claim its place on the mainstream holiday map—no longer just a hidden gem, but a featured highlight in Jet2’s growing travel portfolio.

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