Heathrow launches 11 new flight routes – including to Paddington Bear country
A WINTER getaway is the perfect antidote to the cold temperatures and often dismal weather in the UK.
Fortunately, for those unsure where to go, 11 new flight routes have been launched at Heathrow airport – including to some destinations you might not have previously considered for a holiday.
Included in the new destinations are cities with amazing Christmas markets, stunning tropical paradises and the home of both Paddington Bear and one of the wonders of the ancient world.
For anyone looking for some winter sun, Virgin Atlantic‘s new flights to the Maldives and Turks & Caicos could be the perfect option.
Flights to the Maldives are already available from Terminal 3, with Heathrow labelling it “the perfect winter sun getaway”.
Meanwhile, Turks & Caicos will be the 11th Caribbean destination to be directly connected to Heathrow when flights commence on November 4.
It is home to the third largest barrier reef system in the world, while average temperatures remain around the high 20s throughout the winter.
Similar heat can be found in Dubai, another of the new routes added for the winter, with Virgin Atlantic also adding flights to the UAE city from October 28.
Sun seekers can enjoy average temperatures of around 25C in the airport’s second most popular destination, with only New York attracting more visitors.
Some more winter warmth can be found in Peru, where flights to the capital Lima launching with LATAM Airways later this year.
From December 2, Brits will have a direct link to the South American country, home to Paddington Bear and to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world.
The 15th century Incan citadel can be found high in the Andes mountains and attracts more than one million visitors per year.
The country has mild temperatures during the winter months, with averages staying in the low 20s.
It’s not only far-flung destinations that have been added to Heathrow for the winter, with trips to some European cities also now available.
Direct flights to Latvian capital Riga, home of the first Christmas tree, one of Europe’s best Christmas markets and very cheap pints, can now be booked with British Airways.
BA are also offering flights to Belgrade from Heathrow this winter, with flights launching on October 31.
The capital of Serbia has more than 7,000 years of history and is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Other European flights available for the winter with BA include Turin in Italy and Cologne in Germany, while Lufthansa have new flights to both Salzburg in Austria and Friedrichshafen in Germany.
Finally, from November 4, the airport will have flights to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat with Turkmenistan Airlines.
Anyone heading to the Central Asian country can visit places like the UNESCO World Heritage site the Fortresses of Nisa, an ancient settlement of the Parthians, and the Door to Hell, a giant burning crater in the Karakum Desert.
Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are thrilled to see 11 new airline routes commencing at Heathrow this winter season.
“As our passenger numbers continue to grow, we are delighted to offer more winter sun options to destinations such as the Maldives and Turks and Caicos Islands.
“With more global ski destinations on offer than any other UK airport, passengers can enjoy even more choice this winter, with additions such as Turin and Salzburg.
“Our expanding route network also opens new opportunities for British travellers and businesses, with direct connections to Ashgabat and Lima.
“I am sure these new routes will prove popular this winter.”
Meanwhile, this new European airline is launching new flights next year.
And Ryanair has also launched flights to seven new holiday destinations.