easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills. 

Budget airline rakes in the cash

 

Ryanair is the European budget airline that a lot of people love to hate.

They dislike the fact that you pay extra for almost everything other than your seat. They hate the fact that Ryanair enforces luggage limits, and will gouge you at every opportunity.

That said, Ryanair is laughing all the way to the bank.

The airline this week reported a big jump in first-half year profits by more than 40% to €2.54 billion, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

It cited a strong Easter period and saw passenger traffic grew 3% to a record 119 million people.

Revenues over the first six months of the year were up 13% to €9.82 billion

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, said: “Fares benefitted from having the full Easter holiday in Q1 and we achieved a full recovery of the 7% fare decline we suffered in last year's Q2.

"Ancillary revenue was solid, rising 6% to €2.91 billion.”

The airline said operating costs rose 4% to €6.96 billion.

Ryanair now has 204 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in its 641-strong fleet.

Planning to be in London? Ryanair launches new cheap flights

 With budget airline Ryanair you know exactly what you are getting: a seat on a plane that may, or may not, depart on time. 

Want to reserve a seat? That will cost you more. Want extra baggage? Pay up. Want something to eat? Hand over your credit card.

It's cheap, but not necessarily cheerful  

If you are happy to just get a cheap seat to a faraway destination you might never have heard of, then there are some intriguing options available on the Ryanair network. 

Ryanair has just revealed its London summer 2025 schedule with seven new routes from London Stansted.

The airline will launch new flights to Bodrum, Clermont-Ferrand, Dalaman, Münster, Lübeck, Linz (a re-launch) and Reggio Calabria, as well as extra frequencies on 30 other London routes. 

OK. These are not mainstream destinations. I even had to look up Dalaman, as I'd never heard of it. It's in south-west Turkey, apparently. But flights start from around $60.  

Overall, Ryanair is offering a total of 206 routes.

To support this traffic growth, Ryanair will base one new Boeing 737 in London Stansted for the summer, travel site Travel Mole reports. 

This brings Ryanair’s total London-based fleet to 56 aircraft and will create 30 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “We are pleased to announce new summer routes from London. We are also launching extra frequencies on 30 other London routes.”

Bargain airfares for 24 hours only

Fancy a cheap trip away? Ready to plan ahead? 

Vietjet is offering travellers a 24-hour ticket promotion on October 1 - that’s tomorrow.

From 00:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7), passengers can apply the promo code VJ1010 when booking tickets via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app for a chance to score discounted fares, with only taxes and surcharges applicable.

The availability of discounted seats varies depending on the route and travel dates. But you do have a chance to win.

Passengers booking using the code will also receive complimentary Sky Care travel insurance, which offers comprehensive coverage for medical and flight-related issues.

Travellers can also earn points with the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program, unlocking exciting rewards and benefits. Experience modern, eco-friendly aircraft served by Vietjet’s professional and dedicated flight crews, known for their heartfelt serv

The offer can also be accessed via the Vietjet Air app on October 10.

I’m currently in Vietnam as a guest of Vietjet and had a comfortable and on-time arrival. Flight report to follow.

Airline to the aid of Ukraine refugees

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is coming to the rescue of refugees from Russia's attack on Ukraine. 

The Hungarian-based airline says it is offering Ukrainian refugees up 100,000 free seats on flights in continental Europe departing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Romania in March, Travelmole reported. 

“Wizz Air is committed to helping the refugees reach their final destinations, wherever that may be,” the airline said.

“Wizz Air has already added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to Europe to help support the movement of refugees as necessary.” 

Wizz Air said it knew many refugees are already in transit and could be stranded in other locations so was offering €29.99 “rescue fares” on other flights, excluding those to the UAE, Iceland and the Canary Islands.

Ukrainian refugees may book the flights by visiting the website https://wizzair.com/#/rescue

Passengers will be required to provide their Ukrainian passport or ID card number when booking and at check-in.

The airline has suspended its Ukraine flights but said it has added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to the rest of Europe to help support the movement of refugees to their final destinations.