Sardinia, Saint-Tropez, and San Sebastián Now Just One Flight Away – BA Cityflyer’s 2026 Summer Routes Redefine Your Mediterranean Escape!

Published on December 9, 2025

In a move designed to bring sun-seeking UK travellers closer to the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations, BA Cityflyer has unveiled three new seasonal routes for summer 2026. Whether you dream of lounging on the golden beaches of Saint-Tropez, exploring the Mediterranean landscapes of Sardinia, or diving into the culture of San Sebastián, BA Cityflyer’s new routes will make it easier than ever to get there.

These new additions will significantly enhance British Airways’ leisure offerings, connecting London City, Stansted, and Glasgow to Saint-Tropez (via Toulon), Olbia in Sardinia, and San Sebastián in Spain. With summer holidays just around the corner, these routes promise more direct access, affordable fares, and a seamless travel experience for all.

Route Breakdown: Your Ultimate Mediterranean Escapes

• London City → Toulon / Saint-Tropez (France)
  Flights to the French Riviera will operate twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from 23 May to 1 September 2026. Starting fares from £127 one-way. Toulon airport, just a short drive from Saint-Tropez, is the gateway to one of France’s most glamorous beach resorts.
• Stansted → Olbia (Sardinia, Italy)
  Serving the stunning Sardinian coast, this twice-weekly route will run from 23 May to 27 September 2026. Flights are available on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), with one-way fares starting at £127. Olbia provides access to the dazzling beaches and picturesque landscapes of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast.
• Glasgow → San Sebastián (Spain)
  For those craving culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty, flights will operate twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from 18 July to 8 September 2026. With fares starting at £113 one-way, this route offers a quick connection to Spain’s famed Basque Country. San Sebastián’s culinary delights and beautiful beaches await.

Why These New Routes Matter for UK Holidaymakers

This expansion signifies a shift towards catering to leisure travel by offering direct connections from the UK to some of the most desirable Mediterranean destinations. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous weekend, or a cultural getaway, these new routes will provide convenience and affordability.

For travellers from London, Glasgow, and East Anglia, these new flights bring Mediterranean getaways much closer and more accessible. No more long layovers or multiple connections—just direct flights that get you to your holiday faster.

Saint-Tropez: The Glitzy French Riviera

Saint-Tropez is synonymous with luxury, and for good reason. This town on the French Riviera has been a favourite for jet-setters, offering stunning beaches, glamorous nightlife, and world-class dining. Toulon airport, located just 30 miles from Saint-Tropez, now opens up this chic destination to UK travellers, offering direct flights from London City.

• Why You Should Go:
  • Breathtaking beaches like Pampelonne and Plage de l’Escalet.
  • Glamorous lifestyle with luxury yachts, five-star hotels, and designer boutiques.
  • Famous nightlife at iconic clubs and beach bars.

Olbia, Sardinia: Sardinia’s Mediterranean Charm Awaits

Sardinia is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes. The Olbia route will be a direct lifeline to the Emerald Coast, a favourite among holidaymakers seeking sun and sea. Whether you’re hiking the island’s rugged mountains or soaking up the sun by the beach, Sardinia offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

• Why You Should Go:
  • Sardinia’s best beaches including Spiaggia del Principe and Capriccioli.
  • Historical sites like Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Vibrant nightlife and world-class Sardinian cuisine.

San Sebastián: Culture, Surf, and Culinary Heaven

For those seeking more than just beaches, San Sebastián in Spain’s Basque Country is the perfect destination. This charming city is renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, surf-friendly beaches, and incredible cultural attractions. A direct route from Glasgow makes this gem much more accessible to UK travellers.

• Why You Should Go:
  • World-renowned cuisine, including pintxos and three Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Gorgeous beaches like Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta.
  • Basque culture with festivals, traditional dance, and historic sites.

Strategic Benefits: The Role of Regional Jets and Smaller Airports

One of the key elements behind this expansion is BA Cityflyer’s use of Embraer 190 regional jets, which are perfectly suited for smaller airports and fewer passengers than larger jets. This is a smart move for leisure routes, where demand is often concentrated during weekends or peak seasons.

• Efficient Use of Aircraft: Embraer 190 jets have a capacity of around 100 passengers, making them an ideal choice for seasonal and less-frequented routes. This enables British Airways to maintain flexibility while still providing direct access to major holiday destinations.
• Smaller Airports, Bigger Impact: By flying into Toulon, Olbia, and San Sebastián, BA Cityflyer can offer more direct flights and reduce the stress of connecting flights. These regional airports are better equipped to handle holiday traffic, offering passengers faster check-in and reduced congestion.

What Travellers Can Expect: Seamless and Affordable Holidays

The new routes are designed to make holiday travel as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

• Frequency & Affordability: The routes are designed to serve the peak holiday period, with weekend flights offering maximum flexibility for those seeking short breaks or longer stays. Starting fares of £113 to £127 ensure affordability.
• Premium Options: For those seeking a more luxurious flight experience, Club Europe services are available on all routes, offering additional baggage allowances, priority boarding, and exclusive meals.

Sardinia, Saint-Tropez, and San Sebastián: More Than Just Beaches

While the beaches of these destinations undoubtedly steal the show, there’s much more to experience in each location.

• Saint-Tropez is not just about the beach; explore its historic centre with cobbled streets, dine in its local Michelin-starred restaurants, or embark on a boat trip along the coastline.
• Sardinia’s landscape is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring ancient archaeological sites.
• San Sebastián’s cultural scene is second to none, with everything from Spanish art galleries to historic architecture and traditional Basque festivals.

These new routes bring more than just beach holidays; they’re your gateway to the cultural, culinary, and natural wonders of Southern Europe.

The Big Picture: What This Means for UK-Europe Travel

The new BA Cityflyer routes highlight the growing demand for short-haul leisure travel in Europe. More UK travellers are seeking convenient, direct flights to Mediterranean destinations, and British Airways is stepping up to the challenge.

This strategic shift reflects broader trends in aviation, where leisure travel continues to play a more significant role as business travel remains unpredictable. The direct routes to Saint-Tropez, Sardinia, and San Sebastián offer a streamlined holiday experience, with the convenience of regional airports and direct access to some of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.

• Increased Tourism: These flights are set to boost tourism in the Mediterranean, benefiting local economies by increasing hotel stays, restaurant bookings, and local experiences.
• Strengthened Connectivity: By connecting more UK regions to top European destinations, British Airways strengthens the UK’s role as a key player in European tourism.

Book Now for Your Dream Mediterranean Escape

With summer 2026 fast approaching, now is the perfect time to book your next holiday. Whether you’re after the glamorous charm of Saint-Tropez, the rustic beauty of Sardinia, or the cultural richness of San Sebastián, BA Cityflyer’s new routes offer the perfect start to your Mediterranean adventure.

The new routes promise to transform your holiday plans, offering affordable, convenient access to Europe’s most coveted destinations. So, pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate Mediterranean getaway — just a flight away.