British holidaymakers dreaming of a sunny European island escape have been given an early Christmas present from budget airline Wizz Air. The carrier has announced a major expansion from its London Luton base, introducing six new routes for summer 2026, with one-way fares starting from just £44.99.
New Greek Getaways and City Breaks
The headline addition is a new service to Chania on the Greek island of Crete, a destination famed for its historic Venetian harbour, labyrinthine old town, and superb cuisine. It joins four other Greek hotspots now on the Wizz Air network from Luton: Mykonos, Rhodes, and Zakynthos. For those seeking a city break, new routes to Bordeaux in France and Dortmund in Germany have also been unveiled.
All the new Greek services are timed perfectly for the peak season, with the first flights taking off on 13 May 2026. According to the schedule, Mykonos will be served three times a week, while Chania, Rhodes, and Zakynthos will each have two weekly flights.
Why Chania is a Standout Destination
The launch of the Chania route offers Brits a compelling alternative to more established Spanish resorts. While the UK grapples with winter chill, Chania is currently forecast to enjoy highs of around 19°C. Express writer Brian Dillon, who recently visited, praised the city for retaining an authentic Greek charm while still catering to tourists.
"Compared to Spanish hotspots I have been to... Chania felt like an authentic taste of where I was," Dillon noted. He was particularly impressed by the culinary scene, describing "exceptional service and tantalising flavours" from stuffed aubergine to delectable sea bass. Beyond the food and history, the area offers classic holiday amenities including a waterpark, beach clubs, and boat trips.
Wizz Air's Continued Luton Expansion
This route expansion is supported by significant investment at London Luton Airport. Wizz Air is adding a 14th aircraft to its Luton base, bringing its total number of destinations served from the airport to 60. The move underscores the airline's commitment to the UK market and its strategy as London's leading low-cost carrier.
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, said: "With holidaymakers already dreaming of their 2026 getaways, we've got an early Christmas gift for our customers... These exciting additions will whisk travellers away to some of Europe's most-loved destinations, including Greece's stunning beaches."
Tickets for all the new routes, including the £44.99* one-way fares to Chania, are on sale now via the Wizz Air website and mobile app. The announcement provides a welcome boost for travellers seeking affordable, sunny escapes well into the future.
