New Flight Routes Make Greek Island Escape Easier Than Ever
British holidaymakers have received a major boost for their 2026 summer plans as travel giant TUI has announced three brand-new direct flight routes to the idyllic Greek island of Kos. The new connections from London Stansted, Bournemouth, and Exeter will provide a hassle-free gateway to one of the Mediterranean's most charming destinations.
Discover Kos: Beaches, History and Affordable Luxury
Kos, the third largest island in the Dodecanese group, sits just 277 miles from Central Greece and a mere 20 kilometres from the Turkish coast at Bodrum. The island boasts an extraordinary heritage as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, with human settlement dating back to the Primaeval Bronze Age (2,900 - 2,100 BC).
Visitors can explore influences from Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman cultures through ancient archaeological sites while enjoying sublime beaches and crystal-clear waters. With nearly one million tourists visiting annually, Kos maintains its popularity through a perfect blend of vibrant nightlife, historical treasures, and stunning natural beauty.
For budget-conscious travellers, Kos offers excellent value with the average beer costing around £3.50 and an ice cream approximately £2.60. Summer temperatures average a pleasant 27C, creating ideal conditions for sun-seekers.
Enhanced Connectivity and Holiday Flexibility
The new routes represent significant improvements for UK travellers. For the first time ever, Bournemouth and Exeter airports will have direct TUI services to Kos, eliminating the need for connecting flights for residents in these regions.
Meanwhile, the London Stansted route is reinstated after being discontinued in 2019, with twice-weekly flights operating on Mondays and Thursdays. This revival responds to growing customer demand for direct access to this picturesque Greek gem.
TUI is offering varied holiday durations to suit different needs. Customers from Bournemouth and Exeter can book traditional seven or 14-night packages, while Stansted departures provide greater flexibility with options for 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, or 14-night stays.
Neil Swanson, Managing Director of TUI UK&I, commented: "These new routes to Kos follow a rise in demand for this picturesque island, which is one of our customers' favourite Greek destinations. By launching services from Bournemouth and Exeter for the first time, and reinstating our popular London Stansted route, we're making it easier than ever for customers across the South of England to enjoy an unforgettable Greek island holiday."
For those seeking guided experiences, TUI Musement offers numerous activities including trips to the mountain village of Zia, visits to the ancient Asclepieion archaeological site, sightseeing tours to Greece's youngest volcano in Nisyros, and sunset cruises along the stunning coastline. Families can enjoy the Pirates of Kos boat trip, while adventure seekers can explore the Gulf of Kefalos through glass-bottom boat tours.
