Jet2 is dramatically expanding its Summer 2027 program, with Aeroroutes reporting the launch of 17 additional routes across Europe. The expansion spans multiple UK airports and introduces a combination of brand-new services, returning routes, and underserved leisure destinations. The move comes as appetite for European travel continues to surge, with Jet2 carrying more than 19 million passengers during its last full financial year.

The new routes reveal how the airline’s strategy is evolving beyond its traditional package holiday roots. Alongside classic Mediterranean destinations, Jet2 is increasingly targeting city breaks, secondary regional airports, and destinations with rising tourism demand. The additions also strengthen the company’s position as the UK’s largest tour operator, with Jet2holidays now accounting for a significant share of the group’s revenue growth. By adding more direct connections from regional airports, the airline is betting heavily on convenience-driven travel patterns that have accelerated across the UK market since 2022.

Paris And Jersey Reflect Changing Travel Habits

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Jet2’s launch of multiple Paris Charles de Gaulle routes from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands highlights a broader shift beyond its traditional beach holiday focus. The airline is increasingly targeting Europe’s fast-growing city-break market, which has rebounded strongly in recent years and now exceeds pre-pandemic demand levels.

The airline is also responding to rising demand for shorter and more convenient leisure trips through its expanded Jersey program from Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester. Coastal destinations closer to home have continued gaining popularity among UK travelers seeking easier getaways without long-haul travel or major airport connections. The company now operates from 14 UK airport bases, benefiting from travelers increasingly prioritizing local departures, reduced travel times, and simpler airport experiences overall. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said:

“We are delighted to be significantly expanding our Jersey programme for Summer 2027, with a great choice of flights now departing from six UK airports as a result. Thanks to the addition of the new routes and the existing programme, we are offering fantastic choice to Jersey.”

Greece and Croatia Continue Winning Over UK Travelers

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Greece remains one of Jet2’s strongest-performing markets, and the Summer 2027 expansion reinforces that trend. New routes to Chania, Skiathos, Kavala, and Mytilene add further depth to an already extensive Greek network that now spans dozens of destinations. Greece welcomed between 35–43 million international visitors in 2025, with British travelers remaining one of the country’s largest tourism groups.

Among the more unusual additions is Kavala, which serves as the gateway to the island of Thassos. Unlike heavily commercialized destinations such as Santorini or Mykonos, Thassos attracts visitors looking for quieter beaches, hiking trails, and traditional villages. Interest in these lower-density destinations has risen sharply since the pandemic, with travel analysts noting increasing demand for “alternative Mediterranean” tourism.

Croatia also continues its rapid rise in popularity with the launch of services between Edinburgh and Pula. Croatian tourism authorities reported record-breaking arrivals during 2025, with UK visitors topping the list. Pula, located on the Istrian peninsula, has become particularly attractive due to its Roman architecture, Adriatic coastline, and comparatively lower accommodation costs than Dubrovnik or Split.

Jet2’s Expansion Highlights Confidence Across the Aviation Sector

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The scale of the Summer 2027 rollout is especially striking given the wider pressures currently facing European aviation. Many airlines are limiting growth because of aircraft delivery delays, fleet maintenance issues, and ongoing operational constraints. Despite this, Jet2 continues expanding steadily, supported by strong holiday package sales and consistent passenger demand across regional markets.

Financially, the airline has been outperforming many rivals in the leisure sector. Jet2 plc recently reported a group revenue of $9.5 billion (£7.17 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, representing a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Package holiday bookings remained ahead of expectations for multiple consecutive seasons. Analysts have increasingly pointed to the company’s vertically integrated model, combining flights, hotels, transfers, and package holidays, as a major reason for its resilience during periods of market volatility.

For UK travelers, the practical impact is straightforward: more direct flights, fewer airport transfers, and a broader selection of destinations outside the usual tourist hotspots. Instead of concentrating solely on established resort routes, Jet2 is diversifying into niche leisure markets and secondary European airports, giving passengers access to destinations that previously required multiple connections or seasonal charter availability.