by Hugh Morris, The Telegraph, December 28, 2018
The world gets smaller and smaller every year as our friendly pan-global airlines stretch their reach further and further across the planet.
And 2019 will be no different with a host of carriers serving the UK announcing new flight routes to woo British travellers to a variety of exotic destinations.
From short city hops to long-haul slogs, here are some the best, with thanks to Routes Online.
Charleston, USA
Who? British Airways
When? April 4
How many times a week? Twice, from London Heathrow
British Airways will become the only airline in Europe flying direct to the South Carolina city when it launches in April, and - flown on BA's 787 Dreamliners - will be Charleston’s first transatlantic route. The addition takes the number of US destinations reachable with BA to 29, following the introduction of flights to Nashville and New Orleans in 2018. Visiting for Telegraph Travel in 2014, Adam Ruck described Charleston as “wall-to-wall historic” thanks to its role in the Civil War.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Who? Tui
When? November 8
How many times a week? Twice, from London Gatwick
Tui will offer the only direct flights from the UK to this exclusive Mexican resort when it begins the service in November. Los Cabos is located on Mexico's 1,000-mile-long Baja California peninsula and known for its white-sand beaches, golf courses and famous patrons, including the likes of George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman.
Naples, Italy
Who? Ryanair
When? April 3
How many times a week? Twice, from Exeter Airport
The Irish airline is launching flights from Exeter Airport for the first time in April, making the south-west airport the budget carrier’s 21st destination in the UK. Among the new routes is a twice-weekly flight to Naples, one of the most enigmatic cities in Europe - and birthplace of the pizza. From Exeter, Ryanair will also fly from to Malaga and Malta (both twice weekly).
Brest, France
Who? Ryanair
When? April 5
How many times a week? Twice, from London Southend
Another new base for Ryanair is London’s Southend Airport, from which it will fly 13 routes for the summer season. Among them is a twice-weekly service to the port city of Brest in the Brittany region of northwest France . Brest is best known for its picturesque harbour, the Pont de Recouvrance bridge and maritime military museum housed in the remarkable Château de Brest.
Philadelphia, USA
Who? American Airlines
When? April 2
How many times a week? Daily, from Edinburgh
Philadelphia can already be accessed from London Heathrow and Manchester, but American Airlines will add Edinburgh to that list from next April. The city was the site of the founding of the United States when the Declaration of Independence was signed there in 1776, followed by the Constitution in 1787. Today, its history is matched by its potential for fun, with its attractively conserved downtown area featuring informal restaurants and cool bars.
Osaka, Japan
Who? British Airways
When? March 31
How many times a week? Four, from London Heathrow
British Airways is to introduce the only direct air service between the UK and Japan’s third largest city from March when it inaugurates a link between Heathrow and Osaka Kansai, last served by the carrier previously up until October 1998. The 12-hour and 20-minute service provides, as well as the opportunity to experience Osaka itself, the perfect springboard for exploring the entire Kansai region, in particular the temples and gardens of Kyoto, 15 minutes away by bullet train. “Colourful, food-loving, lively, humorous, nocturnal: these are all words that can be used to describe Osaka,” says Telegraph Travel destination expert Danielle Demetriou .
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Who? Norwegian
When? March 31
How many times a week? Four, from London Gatwick
British Airways already operates flights to Rio from Heathrow, but this service will mark Norwegian’s - and the first low-cost airline’s - entry to the Brazilian market. The carrier launched its first service to South America earlier this year with direct flights from Gatwick to Buenos Aires, which has already been increased from four-weekly flights to daily departures following strong customer demand, and Norwegian will be hoping to replicate that success in Brazil.
Calvi, Corsica
Who? Air Corsica
When? May 18
How many times a week? Once, from London Stansted
Air Corsica launched flights to the UK in spring 2018, connecting Stansted with Ajaccio, Bastia and Figari. From May 2019, it will extend its services to the picturesque town of Calvi, located on the northwest coast of the French island, offering idyllic bays and mountain views. Legend has it that Calvi was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Ankara, Turkey
Who? Turkish Airlines
When? January 9
How many times a week? Twice, from London Gatwick
Gatwick is gaining a new route to the capital of Turkey from early January, with Turkish Airlines set to operate a twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The airline said it was launching the route “in direct response to the rise in passengers looking to travel to this destination”. Though the second largest city in Turkey, in terms of visitor numbers Ankara lives very much in the shadow of Istanbul, but the new service should open the city up to British visitors, as well as providing an opportunity for onward travel to the famed Cappadocia region.
Calvi, Corsica
Who? Air Corsica
When? May 18
How many times a week? Once, from London Stansted
Air Corsica launched flights to the UK in spring 2018, connecting Stansted with Ajaccio, Bastia and Figari. From May 2019, it will extend its services to the picturesque town of Calvi, located on the northwest coast of the French island, offering idyllic bays and mountain views. Legend has it that Calvi was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Pittsburgh, USA
Who? British Airways
When? April 2
How many times a week? Four, from London Heathrow
BA flew daily between Heathrow and Pittsburgh via Washington from May 1986 until June 1993 when it moved its service to Gatwick. The airline operated this route with a daily service until October 1999 before dropping it. Pittsburgh is best known as the City of Bridges, with more than any other city in the world at nearly 450, but has more recently developed a reputation as a cultural and culinary hub. “When Pittsburgh was ranked the best US city for foodies by the respected Zagat restaurant guide in 2015, many were surprised,” writes destination expert Adam Sommers. “Not so in the USA, where the city in the heart of Pennsylvania once known as Steel City has become not just a culinary and micro brewery hub but a centre for the arts as well. Home to its very own version of New York’s Brooklyn – Lawrenceville – quirky restaurants, galleries in converted warehouses and some stylish hotels are rising from the molten remains of this former industrial city.”
Islamabad, Pakistan
Who? British Airways
When? June 2
How many times a week? Three, from London Heathrow
British Airways will return to the Pakistani capital next summer for the first time in 10 years. Flights to the Pakistani capital were halted in 2008 amid security concerns in the wake of a terror attack at the city’s Marriott Hotel that left 54 dead. But from June 2, the British flag carrier will fly to the Asian city three times a week from Heathrow on its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The city is famed its culture, heritage and cuisine.
This article was written by Hugh Morris from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].
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