London City Joins Sardinia, Saint‑Tropez, and San Sebastián in British Airways’ Ambitious 2026 Summer Flight Expansion, Offering Direct Routes to Iconic Mediterranean Destinations

Published on December 6, 2025

For travellers in the UK longing for sun‑drenched beaches and Mediterranean charm, the 2026 summer season just got a major upgrade. BA Cityflyer, the regional arm of British Airways, has unveiled three new direct flight routes: from London City to Toulon Saint‑Tropez (France), London Stansted to Olbia (Sardinia, Italy), and Glasgow to San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain).

These additions push BA Cityflyer’s European network to nearly 30 destinations — a clear signal that the airline is targeting booming demand for leisure travel across the continent.

Mediterranean Magic: Why These Routes Matter

Each of the three new routes taps into a distinct flavour of European summer appeal:

• Toulon – Saint‑Tropez: A gateway to the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. The airport sits just 30 miles from the iconic Saint‑Tropez — perfect for beach‑lovers and those chasing the luxe Mediterranean vibe.
• Olbia, Sardinia: Known for crystalline waters, rustic coves, and the laid‑back Mediterranean rhythm. Sardinia has surged in popularity among European holiday‑makers — BA’s new flights respond to that growing appetite.
• San Sebastián, Spain: A culturally rich Basque city mixing surf-ready beaches with a globally renowned culinary scene. The Glasgow connection opens this gem up to travellers from Scotland and beyond.

For busy city‑dwellers, these new flights shorten travel times and bring sun, sea and culture within easy reach. Whether you crave last‑minute weekend escapes or a full summer retreat, BA is betting on flexibility and choice.

Official Framework: What UK Regulation Says – and What It Means

Under UK aviation law, airlines must receive a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate scheduled passenger services outside domestic UK airspace.

Holding a route licence allows flights to operate under the airline’s existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

However, obtaining a licence does not guarantee the right to fly internationally. Scheduled operations also require traffic rights under bilateral agreements controlled by the UK government (via the Department for Transport).

As of now, the new 2026 routes from BA Cityflyer have been publicly announced by the airline, and bookings are open.

Yet — as with all regulatory procedures — final operating permissions remain subject to approval under the existing UK aviation licensing and bilateral traffic‑rights framework. Observers note that this step typically follows successful route licence filings and government clearance, but such filings are not always published immediately.

What Travellers Should Know (Dates, Booking, Experience)

According to publicly available schedules and airline communications:

• The London City → Toulon Saint‑Tropez route will run seasonally from 23 May to 1 September 2026, with flights twice per week (Tuesdays and Saturdays suggested in some media summaries).
• London Stansted → Olbia (Sardinia) is planned from 23 May to 27 September 2026, also twice‑weekly — ideal for summer travellers seeking beach bliss in Sardinia.
• Glasgow → San Sebastián (Spain) will begin operations in July 2026, with a twice‑weekly schedule (as reported for Tuesdays and Saturdays) for a limited summer window, granting Scottish and UK travellers easier access to Spain’s Basque coast.

All flights are confirmed to be operated by Embraer 190 jets under the BA Cityflyer brand.

Passengers booking early benefit from direct journeys — cutting out the need for connecting flights. BA’s “Club Europe” option will offer added perks: priority boarding, increased baggage allowance and meal service — a draw for travellers looking for comfort on short‑haul European hops.

Strategic Timing: Why 2026 Is a Smart Move

The 2026 launch aligns with surging demand for Mediterranean and European summer vacations. Post‑pandemic travel appetite remains strong across Europe, and destinations like Sardinia and the French Riviera are seeing rising interest for 2026 bookings. By launching these routes well ahead of the season, BA Cityflyer positions itself to capture early demand and secure bookings.

Moreover, offering multiple UK departure points — London City, London Stansted, Glasgow — increases accessibility. This diversified network allows better regional catchment and spreads demand beyond London‑centric traffic.

For the airline, expanding the short‑haul leisure network helps balance seasonal peaks and diversifies their service portfolio beyond traditional long‑haul routes.

What to Watch: Regulatory Clearance & Final Confirmation

While these new routes are now open for booking, they remain contingent on regulatory approvals. The CAA’s route‑licence system provides the legal backbone for any new UK‑based scheduled service outside domestic flights.

Beyond the licence, granting of traffic rights under bilateral agreements — especially for flights to EEA countries — remains a required step. Though BA’s announcement appears confident, travellers and industry watchers should look for formal confirmation from regulator filings or official traffic‑rights declarations before treating the routes as guaranteed.

As of this writing, no public record from the CAA or UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has been published specifically referencing the new routes.

Ready Your Suitcase — Mediterranean Holidays 2026 Just Got Easier

With these new routes, BA Cityflyer brings some of Europe’s most alluring coastal and cultural destinations within direct reach from the UK. Whether you crave the Riviera’s glitz, Sardinia’s shoreline, or San Sebastián’s epicurean streets, the summer of 2026 may be your chance.

From the sun‑kissed beaches of Toulon to Olbia’s sparkling sea and San Sebastián’s Basque flair — this holds the promise of escape, adventure, and memories made under Mediterranean skies. Book early, pack light — and maybe for the first time, your summer holiday may begin with a direct hop from home.

Image source:British Airways