Italy Teams Up With Spain And More As Austrian Airlines Boosts 100 Extra Flights For 2026 Holidays

For the 2026 autumn holiday season, Austrian Airlines is planning to put on about 100 additional flights to destinations including Italy and Spain. As reported by the airline, additional leisure travel demand out of Europe has motivated the decision to extend summer season flights to and from Europe to cover some of the preliminary weeks of the 2026/27 winter flight schedule.

The additional flights are designed to support increased demand for popular warm-weather destinations, city breaks and international winter escapes. The expanded schedule will continue several seasonal routes that were originally planned to end before the autumn school holidays, while also adding more frequencies on selected services.

The transition between Austrian Airlines’ summer and winter schedules will take place during the weekend of 24 and 25 October. During this period, travellers will benefit from extended connections to destinations across Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond.

Mediterranean Destinations Receive Extended Autumn Holiday Connections

A major part of Austrian Airlines’ autumn expansion focuses on Mediterranean destinations that remain popular among travellers seeking warmer weather during the school holiday period.

In Spain, flights to Ibiza, Alicante, Bilbao and Fuerteventura will continue beyond the usual summer timetable. These extended services provide additional opportunities for passengers looking for coastal escapes and island holidays during late October.

Portugal’s Madeira island destination Funchal will also remain connected, while Italy will see continued services to Olbia, Palermo and Lamezia Terme. Croatia’s coastal city Split will also benefit from an extended flight programme, allowing travellers to enjoy the Adriatic destination during the quieter autumn season.

Austrian Airlines will further increase frequencies to several major Italian destinations, including Rome, Florence and Naples. Additional services will also be introduced to Dubrovnik, Nice and Valencia compared with the standard winter schedule.

Among the destinations receiving the biggest capacity increases are Palma de Mallorca and Larnaca. Palma de Mallorca will gain 11 additional flights during the autumn holidays, while Larnaca will receive 13 extra services, strengthening travel options to Cyprus.

Greek destinations will also benefit from expanded connectivity, with extended or increased flights available to Heraklion, Chania and Rhodes, offering more choices for travellers planning autumn breaks in Greece.

European City Break Travel Strengthens During Winter Schedule

Alongside leisure destinations, Austrian Airlines is maintaining a wide range of European city connections as part of its 2026/27 winter programme.

Major cities including London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin and Hamburg will continue to attract autumn and winter travellers. These destinations offer opportunities for cultural experiences, shopping trips and short breaks during a season when temperatures are generally milder and visitor numbers are often lower compared with peak summer months.

The airline’s short-haul and medium-haul network will continue supporting travellers seeking flexible holiday options, whether for leisure, business or combined travel experiences.

The extended autumn programme also reflects the growing demand for seasonal travel flexibility, with airlines adapting schedules to match changing passenger preferences and holiday patterns.

Austrian Airlines Boosts Winter Flights to Maldives and Mauritius

The 2026/27 winter schedule will bring further capacity growth to long-haul leisure destinations, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Asia.

Austrian Airlines will significantly increase services to Malé in the Maldives and Mauritius during the winter season. Both destinations will be served up to seven times per week during peak travel periods, giving passengers more opportunities to plan tropical holidays.

Demand for travel to the Maldives will receive additional support during the early February school holidays, when Austrian Airlines will operate up to 10 weekly flights to Malé.

The Vienna–Mauritius route will also receive an upgraded aircraft experience. From mid-January until the end of March, Austrian Airlines will operate its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route, providing passengers with the airline’s long-haul premium travel product.

The increase in Indian Ocean connectivity highlights the continued popularity of tropical destinations during Europe’s winter months, as travellers look for sunshine, beaches and warmer climates.

Dubai and Bangkok Strengthen Austrian Airlines Winter Network

Austrian Airlines will continue serving Dubai as part of its winter flight programme, with additional focus on the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

The airline will operate flights to Dubai five times per week using an Airbus A320neo, maintaining the same aircraft type used during the previous winter season. The route remains an important option for travellers seeking a combination of leisure, shopping and city experiences during the colder months.

Thailand will also receive increased connectivity through the return of Austrian Airlines’ twice-daily Bangkok service.

During January and February, the airline will operate 14 weekly flights between Vienna and Bangkok. From March until the end of the winter schedule, the route will continue with 13 weekly frequencies.

The expanded Bangkok schedule reflects strong passenger demand for Asian destinations during the European winter season, when many travellers look for long-haul holiday experiences.

Asian Growth Supported Through Network Adjustments

The additional capacity to Asia has been supported by adjustments across Austrian Airlines’ North Atlantic schedule, allowing the airline to balance demand across different international markets.

Flights to Chicago and Boston will continue as part of the regular programme until 11 January. Services to New York JFK will operate until 23 January before a short seasonal suspension.

Meanwhile, routes to Newark/New York, Washington and Montreal will continue without interruption according to the planned schedule.

Through its expanded autumn and winter programme, Austrian Airlines is strengthening travel options across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean while responding to increased demand for seasonal holidays, city breaks and long-haul leisure journeys.

The airline’s 2026/27 schedule reflects a broader shift towards more flexible seasonal connectivity, allowing passengers to access popular destinations throughout the year rather than being limited to traditional peak travel periods.