Airline launches first UK flights to new European destination this summer
A REGIONAL airline is launching a brand-new route from a tiny airport in the UK to Europe.
Holidaymakers in Southampton will soon be able to fly to Caen in France, when the new route launches later this year.
Southampton Airport currently serves a handful of foreign destinations, including Alicante, Amsterdam, Faro, Majorca, Malaga and Paris.
And from the end of June, the regional airport will be able to add Caen to its seasonal roster.
The route will be operated by Chalair Aviation, making Southampton Airport the first airport served by the regional airline in the UK.
From June 28, 2024, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights between Southampton and Caen.
The flights will operate every Friday and Sunday, making for an ideal weekend break.
Flights will depart from Southampton Airport at 10.30am every Friday, before arriving in Caen at 12.15pm local time.
Return Sunday flights will leave Caen at 4.45pm before landing back in the UK at 4.30pm local time, with a flight time of just 45 minutes.
Brit holidaymakers looking to spend a little longer in the French city will also be able to board outbound flights on a Sunday afternoon.
These flights will leave Southampton at 5.15pm on Sunday afternoon, landing in France at 7pm.
Return flights will then depart from Caen at 10am every Friday, arriving back in the UK at 9.45am.
The route will take to the skies on June 28, 2024, with tickets already on sale.
Sun Online Travel have found return fares from £171 per person.
The seasonal route will be in operation until September 22, 2024.
Christopher Tibbett, Aero Director for AGS Airports, which owns Southampton Airport told Aerotime Hub: “We are thrilled to not only welcome new partner Chalair for what is the airline’s first UK route, but we are also celebrating Southampton Airport’s first-ever service to Caen.
“Southampton is the only UK airport that will operate a service to the Caen, so we anticipate that the route will be popular with passengers looking to explore this historic French city or those who own second homes in the wider Normandy region.”
What is there to do in Caen?
Located in Normandy, Caen is home to cobblestone streets, charming medieval buildings and stunning architecture.
One of the city’s main attractions is the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, which was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
The abbey is known for its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with soaring towers and intricate carvings adorning the outside.
It is also where William the Conqueror is buried, with guided tours of the church operating daily during the summer.
Holidaymakers can also explore Caen’s Old Town, which is home to quaint squares like Place Saint-Sauveur and historical landmarks like the Church of Saint-Pierre.
There’s also the Mémorial de Caen – a museum dedicated to the history of war in the 20th century.
Built on the very soil where fighting took place in 1944, it’s been described as a “must-visit” by tourism boards and visitors.
There’s also Caen Castle, which was built for William the Conqueror, and it’s said to be one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe.
While the castle was damaged by bombs during World War Two, it has since been restored.
In addition to its impressive facade, the castle is also home to two museums.
And Southampton Airport isn’t the only airport in the UK getting new flights this year.
Other new routes
Earlier this month, Ryanair launched brand-new flights from Norwich Airport to several holiday hotspots.
Brit holidaymakers in East Anglia can now fly to Alicante, Faro and Malta from Norwich Airport with Ryanair.
Flights will operate on both Mondays and Fridays, making these routes an ideal choice for a long weekend away.
Ryanair has also launched new flights from Cardiff Airport.
Meanwhile, easyJet is set to operate a brand-new route between London Gatwick and a newly-revamp airport in Italy.
The airline will fly twice weekly from London Gatwick to Pontecagnano (Salerno) Airport, which is currently undergoing a huge £400million renovation.
