Paragraph 1: The Early Bird Catches the Greek Sun
Britons, seeking respite from the dreary January weather, are already turning their attention to sunnier climes and booking summer getaways, prompting airlines to extend their summer seasons. Greece has emerged as a prime destination, with Kalamata and Chania, located on the island of Crete, experiencing a surge in popularity. This increased demand has led Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to expand their flight schedules to these Greek hotspots for the summer of 2026, pushing the start of the summer season earlier than ever before. The move signifies a growing trend of travelers seeking spring and early summer escapes to these picturesque locations.
Paragraph 2: Responding to the Call of the Aegean
The decision by Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to extend their summer season is a direct response to the escalating demand for early summer travel to Greece. Steve Heapy, CEO of both companies, highlighted the immense popularity of Kalamata and Chania, emphasizing the strong desire among customers and independent travel agents to book and travel earlier in the summer season or even during the Easter period. This proactive approach allows the airline to cater to this growing demand, offering holidaymakers more flexibility and choice. The extension aims to capture the increasing number of travelers seeking sunshine and relaxation several months before the traditional summer months.
Paragraph 3: Extended Flight Schedules and Enhanced Connectivity
The extended summer season will bring numerous benefits to travelers departing from Manchester Airport and London Stansted, with flights to Chania beginning on April 3rd, 2026, and flights to Kalamata commencing on April 5th, 2026. This early start provides a wider window for travel, catering to those who wish to maximize their time in the sun or combine their holiday with the Easter break. Furthermore, increased flight frequency from Birmingham Airport, in addition to Manchester and Stansted, throughout the summer of 2026 will enhance connectivity and offer even greater convenience for travelers.
Paragraph 4: A Detailed Breakdown of the Expanded Flight Offerings
The changes to Jet2’s flight schedule are quite comprehensive. For travelers departing from Birmingham, the current twice-weekly service to Chania from May to October 30th will be supplemented by additional Friday flights from April 3rd to 24th, 2026. Manchester Airport, which currently operates up to three weekly flights to Chania between May and October and up to two weekly flights to Kalamata from May to early November, will also see an increase in flights. The 2026 extension will add twice-weekly flights to Chania on Tuesdays and Fridays between April 3rd and 28th, and extra Sunday flights to Kalamata from April 5th to 26th. London Stansted will experience similar enhancements to its flight schedule with additional flights to Chania on Tuesdays from April 7th to 28th, 2026, and Sunday flights to Kalamata from April 5th to 26th, 2026, complementing the existing schedule.
Paragraph 5: Beyond Flights: Exploring the Greek Isles by Sea
For those seeking alternative modes of transport, cruises offer an appealing way to explore the Greek Islands. Marella Cruises presents a seven-night all-inclusive itinerary starting from Limassol in Cyprus, visiting enchanting destinations like Kusadasi in Turkey, Mykonos, Piraeus (for Athens), Souda (for Chania, Crete), and Rhodes, before returning to Limassol. This comprehensive cruise package, priced from £1,300 per person, includes flights from UK airports, luggage allowance, transfers, and tips, providing a convenient and comprehensive holiday experience for families and individuals alike.
Paragraph 6: The Allure of Early Summer Escapes
The trend of booking early summer holidays reflects a growing desire among Britons to escape the often unpredictable British weather and embrace the warmth and sunshine of destinations like Greece. The extended flight schedules offered by Jet2.com and Jet2holidays specifically cater to this demand, providing increased flexibility and choice for travelers eager to soak up the Mediterranean sun earlier in the year. The option of cruising adds another dimension to experiencing the Greek Islands, offering a more relaxed and scenic way to explore multiple destinations. Whether by air or by sea, the allure of a Greek getaway continues to captivate British travelers seeking respite from the January blues and a taste of summer well in advance.
