London Stansted Airport is set for a significant expansion in 2026, unveiling plans for seven brand-new flight destinations and welcoming a major global airline to its terminals for the first time. The move aims to solidify the Essex hub's position as a crucial gateway for European and international travel.
New Airline and Flagship Route to a Champion Airport
The headline addition is the arrival of Turkish Airlines, one of the world's largest carriers, which will commence operations from Stansted on 18 March 2026. The airline will offer a substantial service of up to 15 weekly flights to Istanbul Airport.
This connection is particularly notable as Istanbul Airport has been crowned the World's Best Airport by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, securing these prestigious titles for the second consecutive year in 2025. The modern hub is renowned for its customer service, operational reliability, and spacious design. From Istanbul, passengers can access a vast network of 353 onward connections to destinations across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
A Year-Round Rollout of New Destinations
The expansion will unfold throughout the year, beginning with easyJet launching a new route to Paris Charles de Gaulle on 5 March. Shortly after, Ryanair will enhance its schedule, increasing services between Stansted and Glasgow from 29 March and starting twice-weekly flights to Malmo, Sweden from 1 April.
May emerges as an exceptionally busy month with three new holiday routes:
- Jet2.com begins flights to Jerez, Spain (1 May) and Samos, Greece (7 May).
- TUI introduces a new service to the Greek island of Kos, also starting on 7 May.
- BA CityFlyer commences operations to Olbia in Sardinia on 23 May.
The summer schedule continues with AJet launching flights to Bodrum, Turkey from 26 June. Finally, Jet2.com will add its last new Stansted route for the year on 26 October, connecting passengers to La Palma in the Canary Islands.
Boosting Connectivity and Choice for Travellers
Ciaran Brannigan, Commercial Director at London Stansted, stated the development underscores the airport's growth ambitions. "We're delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience," he said.
"London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike."
The combined effect of these new routes and the entry of Turkish Airlines represents a substantial upgrade in Stansted's network, providing UK travellers with enhanced access to both city-break destinations and popular sunshine resorts.
