The boss of Jet2 has revealed plans to potentially launch new mid-haul winter sun destinations, with Egypt being a top contender. Jet2, the largest tour operator in the UK, currently flies as far as Cyprus, but is considering expanding their routes to destinations like Egypt. Egypt is known for being an affordable option for Brits seeking winter sun, with places like El Gouna and Hurghada offering cheap five-star hotels and beach resorts with temperatures above 20C in December. If Jet2 were to launch flights to Egypt, they would be competing with TUI, which currently offers packages to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
Jet2’s CEO, Steve Heapy, discussed the possibility of launching longer flights to destinations like Egypt and Morocco at a recent conference. While the process of launching long-haul flights is complicated and expensive due to pilot shift rotas, Mr. Heapy mentioned that Jet2’s aircraft are capable of longer flights. While the company hasn’t made any definitive plans to launch long-haul flights, Mr. Heapy hasn’t ruled out the possibility in the future. Jet2 previously operated seasonal routes to New York back in 2008, but these were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic.
In addition to potential flights to Egypt, Jet2 is also considering expanding their routes to destinations in Africa, such as Cape Verde. The company recently announced new flights launching next year to three new Greek islands. Several airports in the UK, including Bristol Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport, have also expressed interest in starting long-haul flights to destinations in the US and the Middle East. Bristol Airport is planning a runway expansion to accommodate longer flights, with the longest current flight from the airport being to Cape Verde, lasting around six hours.
Overall, Jet2’s potential launch of new mid-haul winter sun destinations like Egypt represents an exciting opportunity for British travellers seeking affordable options for sun-soaked getaways. While the company is still in the early stages of considering longer flights, the prospect of expanding their routes to include destinations in Africa and beyond is promising. With Jet2’s track record of providing quality holiday experiences, the addition of new destinations like Egypt could offer customers even more choices for their winter vacations.
