Jessica Reid | 23 December 2023
The most exciting new direct flights from the UK launching in 2024
From Canada to Ethiopia, these are some of our favourite upcoming non-stop flight routes taking off from London airports in 2024...
From Canada to Ethiopia, these are some of our favourite upcoming non-stop flight routes taking off from London airports in 2024...
From Canada to Ethiopia, many of our favourite airline companies are introducing services to some of the most inspiring and exciting destinations around the world next year. Whether you're on the hunt for a far-flung adventure or something a little closer to home, one of these new direct routes – taking off from London's top airports in 2024 – are guaranteed to stir your wanderlust.
Flower sellers at a KR market in Bengaluru (Shutterstock)
Virgin Atlantic has been increasing its connections to India for the past few years, and in spring 2024, they are adding their fourth direct service the country. The daily long-haul service, beginning on 21 March 2024, will connect London Heathrow to Bengaluru, the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state, and will operate year round.
Bengaluru is the capital of the Karnataka state and one of India’s largest cities, with a population of nearly 12 million. The city is a well-known tech hub – often described as ‘India’s Silicon Valley’ – but it also attracts travellers seeking rich culture, green spaces and architectural masterpieces. Its most recent addition is the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), displaying a collection of more than 60,000 artworks and artefacts and taking visitors on a journey into India’s past.
St. John's is the largest city in Newfoundland & Labrador (Courtesy of Atlantic Canada Tourist Board)
Canada’s eastern-most province of Newfoundland & Labrador will soon be reachable from the UK with a new service from London Gatwick. Taking just five hours and 45 minutes, the Canadian airline Westjet will launch their seasonal service on 1 May 2024, flying from the popular London airport into the colourful capital of St. John’s. It will operate three times a week (Sunday, Wednesday and Friday), until 25 October.
The flights arrive in perfect time for travellers to spot the incredible icebergs floating off the province's coastline from late May to early June. Newfoundland & Labrador also has more than 300 walking trails, taking you to explore the coastline's spectacular beaches, sea stacks, and lighthouses – including Cape Bonavista, where you can also see whales and puffins in the right conditions.
Mangroves can be found outside of the city of Abu Dhabi (Shutterstock)
Following a four-year hiatus, British Airways will be relaunching their daily flight service from the UK to Abu Dhabi. The seven-hour route will begin operating from 20 April 2024, flying from London Heathrow to the UAE’s capital all year round.
This largest emirate is well known for its rich heritage, architectural masterpieces, and magical desert landscape. You can’t visit the capital without admiring the glistening white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country’s largest mosque. But beyond the bustling city and the high-rises, there’s also a natural side waiting to explored, whether kayaking mangroves, bird watching on Yas Island, or spotting Arabian animals in a wildlife refuge.
The new flight offers better access to African gems, such as Bale Mountains National Park (Shutterstock)
Africa is becoming more accessible, especially after a direct flight route from London Gatwick to Ethiopia began running on 21 November 2023. Operating three times a week, the Ethiopian Airlines service flies into the country's capital Addis Ababa, a city that offers seamless connections to surrounding African destinations such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and the Seychelles, to name a few.
But if you do end up stopping in Addis Ababa, the sprawling metropolitan is a cultural powerhouse, with places such as its National Museum presenting intriguing exhibits on Ethiopian art, traditional crafts and history. Staying within the country but an hour-flight connection away is Bale Mountains National Park, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Changi International Airport is practically a destination in itself (Shutterstock)
Singapore Airways have announced a new long-haul route from London Gatwick to Singapore’s iconic Changi International Airport (if you don’t know already, the airport is practically a destination in itself). The island country has been already reachable with frequent flights from London Heathrow, but this overspill service adds more convenience for those preferring to fly from Gatwick. The 13-hour flight will operate five times a week, beginning on 21 June.
Highlights of this South-Asian city include the Gardens by the Bay attraction with its spectacular ‘super tree’ displays, its eclectic neighbourhoods such as Little India and Chinatown, as well as its MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir.
Virgin Atlantic's flights to São Paulo will begin in 2024 (Shutterstock)
Note: Now postponed until summer 2025
Virgin Atlantic was expected to spread its wings to a new continent in 2024, however this has been delayed a year. When it does eventually take off, the direct daily service will go from London Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, flying in the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9.
After an 11-hour transit, visitors will arrive in Brazil’s most populous city. Often overlooked for Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo has much more on offer than travellers may think. Foodies will be delighted with the culinary experiences, from world-class restaurants (book in advance to visit A Casa do Porco, featured on 2023's World’s 50 Best Restaurants list), to art galleries that rival those in London, Paris and Florence (Museu de Arte Moderna is a must-visit). We certainly can't wait for this one.
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