Jet2 has announced a major expansion of its route network from Birmingham Airport (BHX), adding new destinations in Egypt, Tunisia, and Greece. The airline, a rival to EasyJet, TUI, British Airways, and Wizz Air, revealed that from February 2027 it will launch year-round services to two popular Egyptian resorts: Hurghada and Sharm-El-Sheikh. Starting May 2027, flights to Tunisia will also be introduced, offering travellers a chance to experience its rich culture, history, and cuisine. For summer 2027, Jet2 is adding Thassos to its Greek portfolio, providing another beautiful island destination in the northern Aegean.
Expansion Details and Timelines
The new routes form part of Jet2's biggest ever summer programme. From February 2027, customers flying from Birmingham can enjoy direct flights to Hurghada and Sharm-El-Sheikh year-round, catering to the demand for sunshine breaks in North Africa. Tunisia services begin in May 2027, while Thassos will be available from the start of the summer 2027 season. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, confirmed that the airline remains committed to delivering industry-leading customer service amid this growth.
Record-Breaking Summer Weekend
The announcement comes on the back of a record-breaking weekend for Jet2, during which nearly 200,000 passengers travelled with the consumer champion at the start of the school summer holidays. The airline operated over 1,000 flights across the weekend, connecting customers to destinations throughout Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. This performance underscores the strong demand for leisure travel and Jet2's capacity to handle high volumes.
This summer, Jet2 boasts 66 sunshine destinations and nearly 20 million seats on sale, offering customers extensive choice and flexibility. The airline's focus on customer service has positioned it as a consumer favourite in the leisure travel market. Steve Heapy added: "With the start of the school summer holidays this weekend, this time of year is always a busy period for us as we officially begin the peak summer holiday season. The demand we are seeing, coupled with our continued growth, means this year will be a record-breaking weekend and it will be our busiest weekend ever."
Impact on Birmingham Passengers
For passengers flying from Birmingham, the new routes expand options for North African and Greek getaways. Egypt's Red Sea resorts are known for diving and historical sites, while Tunisia offers Mediterranean beaches and ancient ruins. Thassos, less frequented than other Greek islands, provides a quieter alternative with lush landscapes. Jet2's year-round flights to Egypt will particularly appeal to winter sun seekers.
Jet2's expansion aligns with broader trends in the travel industry, where demand for beach destinations remains high. The airline's investment in new routes from Birmingham enhances the airport's connectivity and supports regional economic growth. With almost 200,000 passengers already travelling in a single weekend, Jet2 demonstrates its ability to scale operations while maintaining service quality.
