Glasgow to San Sebastián: British Airways Announces Exciting New Direct Route to Spain’s Best Beaches and Basque Cuisine Starting Summer 2026

Published on December 6, 2025

From summer 2026, the beautiful city of San Sebastián will become even more accessible. BA Cityflyer, a subsidiary of British Airways, has confirmed a seasonal direct service from Glasgow Airport to San Sebastián.

The twice‑weekly flights are scheduled to operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 18 July and 8 September 2026.

What the Official Sources Say

On its “New routes” page, British Airways lists San Sebastián among its 2026 summer additions — highlighting that, from 2026, travellers from Glasgow can fly directly to the Basque city.

According to travel‑industry reporting, BA Cityflyer is expanding beyond its London‑City base to include Glasgow — reinforcing demand for European summer getaways among Scottish travellers.

Why This Route Matters

A Beach, Culture & Food Trifecta

San Sebastián is renowned for its golden‑sand beaches such as La Concha Beach, and its vibrant Basque culture and culinary pedigree.

This new service lets travellers from Scotland reach those sun‑kissed shores without the hassle of multiple flights and long land transfers.

A Summer Network Expansion

The Glasgow–San Sebastián route is part of a broader summer 2026 network expansion by BA Cityflyer — alongside new flights from London to Toulon Saint‑Tropez (France) and Olbia (Sardinia, Italy).

This expansion reflects airlines’ confidence in renewed post‑pandemic leisure demand, especially for sun, sea and culture‑driven escapes.

What Travellers Should Know

• Flights run twice weekly (Tuesdays & Saturdays) between 18 July and 8 September 2026.
• San Sebastián offers a unique blend of beaches, historical Old Town charm, and a celebrated food scene.
• The route is operated with BA Cityflyer’s Embraer E‑190 aircraft — giving efficient short‑haul service suited for quick summer breaks.

What This Means for Scottish and UK Travellers

For holidaymakers in Scotland or the wider UK, the new route represents an opportunity to swap urban routines for surf‑friendly waves, culturally rich old towns, and gourmet dining — all with a short flight and minimal fuss.

The ease of direct flights may also draw travellers who previously avoided multi‑leg journeys; now a spontaneous long weekend by the sea or a short summer break becomes far more feasible.

The Bigger Picture: A Boost for European Summer Travel

The addition of San Sebastián from Glasgow signals growing confidence in European summer travel demand. Airlines like BA Cityflyer see value in connecting regional UK airports directly to sought‑after continental destinations. This helps disperse traffic beyond major hubs, stimulates tourism in less‑served areas, and offers travellers more convenience.

For San Sebastián and the Basque region, new connectivity could translate to an uptick in British holidaymakers seeking sunshine, surf, sea and stellar cuisine — enriching both local tourism and cross‑cultural exchange.

A Warm Welcome Awaits at San Sebastián

If you’ve ever dreamt of feeling the Atlantic breeze, sinking your toes into golden sand at La Concha, savouring traditional pintxos in a charming Old Town bar or watching Basque sunsets from a clifftop promenade — 2026 might be your chance. The new Glasgow–San Sebastián link by BA Cityflyer is more than a route. It’s an invitation.

The addition of a direct flight from Glasgow to San Sebastián is a game‑changer for UK travellers seeking to explore one of Spain’s most captivating coastal cities. Known for its breathtaking beaches, particularly the iconic La Concha Beach, San Sebastián offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy. This direct connection eliminates the need for long layovers or connecting flights, making it easier for Scottish travellers to embark on a spontaneous getaway or a longer summer escape.

San Sebastián’s Old Town, with its narrow streets and bustling pintxos bars, invites visitors to indulge in the region’s renowned culinary offerings. The city’s cultural vibrancy is matched by its picturesque setting, surrounded by the lush hills of Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Whether you’re strolling along the promenade, hiking the scenic trails, or enjoying a meal with a view, the city promises an unforgettable experience.

Moreover, this new route is expected to boost tourism to the Basque region, a destination that has long been cherished by those in the know but remains relatively undiscovered for many. With the added convenience of direct flights, San Sebastián is set to become a must‑visit destination for British holidaymakers.