Holiday operator announces expansion at airports across South West
Holiday operator TUI has announced an extension of its services across the South West as it gears up for a busy summer.
The firm has announced a new route to Boa Vista in Cape Verde and additional flights out of Bristol Airport for summer 2024.
In addition to the new route to Cape Verde the programme will offer daily flights to Palma de Mallorca. Increased frequency to Dalaman, five times per week. Four times weekly flights to Antalya, Corfu, Heraklion, Ibiza, Kos and Zakynthos. Kefalonia and Tenerife, three times weekly and additional flights to Enfidha and Marrakesh giving opportunities for 10/11 night holidays and short breaks.
Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport said: “These new flights show the positive momentum offering extended choice of destinations and stay lengths for customers. The increased capacity for next year builds on the strong growth we are experiencing with TUI from Bristol Airport .
“The programme provides even more choice for customers when using their local airport to travel to a variety of exciting destinations, and enjoy the extensive cruise programme available from Marella Cruises. We look forward to working with TUI on future route opportunities.”
There will also be a new flight and increased frequency form Bournemouth Airport.
In addition, TUI will base a second aircraft at the airport and provide a larger frequency of flights.
A new route to Enfidha in Tunisia will be introduced as part of the company’s expansion plans and flights to Ibiza, Lanzarote, Menorca, Heraklion, Paphos, and Tenerife will all be increased to operate twice a week.
Meanwhile, TUI is offering a twice weekly service to Corfu, Heraklion, and Rhodes, as well as flights to Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
There will also be two flights a week to Dalaman and Antalya in Turkey, and four weekly flights to Mallorca, with two linking to Marella Cruises.
Bournemouth Airport’s managing director Steve Gill said: “We are delighted to announce new flights and increased frequency with TUI for Summer 2024. With an additional aircraft based at Bournemouth Airport and a new route to Enfidha in Tunisia, we are providing even more choice and flexibility for our passengers, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our airport.
“Working closely with TUI, this additional capacity is fantastic news for our airport and the local economy.”
Exeter Airport said 15,000 additional seats are being planned by the operator, compared to last year, with more flights to Crete and Rhodes in Greece, offering new 10- and 11-night holidays for travellers.
These new offerings will bring Exeter Airport’s weekly flight count with TUI to 20, covering five regions, making TUI the largest operator at the Airport.
There will also be an increase in the frequency of flights to Dalaman (three-times weekly), Heraklion (two-times weekly) and Rhodes (two-times weekly). TUI already flies twice weekly to Antalya in Turkey.
It means there will be four Greek islands offered from Exeter with TUI, including twice-weekly Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Zakynthos.
Stephen Wilshire, managing director of Exeter Airport, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing this significant increase in flights for Summer 2024 and offering more holidays for travellers from Exeter Airport. TUI is the biggest operator at Exeter, offering over eight per cent capacity than this year and 11% more than Summer 2022.
“This is a major milestone for us, and we are excited to offer more flights and destinations to our passengers. It provides greater choice and flexibility, and the additional seats and flights are testament to the growth of Exeter Airport and the demand for more travel options.”
Andrew Flintham, TUI managing director, said: “Our customers want more flexibility and to be able to choose a departure airport that is close to home – and that is exactly what the new TUI 2024 summer programme has been designed to do. We want every one of our customers to be able to create a holiday as unique as they are – departure airport, destination and duration are all key components which come together to make the perfect TUI holiday.
“The 2024 programme will see extra flights departing from across the UK. Exeter Airport will see a significant increase in flight seats offering more holidays to those living in the region.”
“With the additional flights and expanded holiday options, Exeter Airport continues to be a vital gateway to and from the South West. This expansion will provide more stress-free and affordable breaks for travellers, allowing them to discover new destinations and create unforgettable experiences.”
