Airline to launch first-ever flights from UK’s ‘best’ airport next summer to popular beach destination

AN AIRPORT in the UK is set to launch flights to a much-loved beach destination.

Holidaymakers in Liverpool will be able to fly to Antalya in Turkey, when the new route launches next year.

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While easyJet and Jet2 already operate existing routes between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Antalya, Liverpudlians will be given another option when SunExpress launches flights from summer 2025.

Last year, consumer watchdog Which? named Liverpool John Lennon Airport as the best in the country.

Factors like seating, staff, toilets, queues at check-in, bag drop, passport control and security were all rated in the research.

The airport received five stars for its check-in and security queues.

SunExpress was founded in 1989, and is a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

The fledgling airline already operates routes from nine airports across the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, and London Stansted.

And from next summer, it will add a 10th UK airport to its roster when direct flights launch between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Antalya.

The route is due to start operating on April 6, 2025.

There will be three return flights each week, with fares starting from £69.99.

Just like most other budget airlines, SunExpress offers a range of ticket fares, including the SunEco option, which is its basic package.

For an added fee, passengers can upgrade to SunClassic and SunPremium, with added benefits set to include an increased baggage allowance, pre-flight seat selection, an onboard meal service ad the ability to amend bookings.

Tobias Bracht, head of sales for SunExpress, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new route from Liverpool to Antalya in 2025.

“We are dedicated to offering exceptional value and convenience to our passengers with direct flights and look forward to connecting further airports in the UK with Türkiye.”

There are plenty of things to do in Antalya, with around 30 per cent of foreign visitors flocking to the Turkish Riviera.

Popular sites include Aspendos, which is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.

Meanwhile, Old Antalya is a fascinating mix of cultures — Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman — that reflects Antalya’s long-held status as a port, trading centre and resort.

There are plenty of beaches to explore too, including Konyaaltı Beach, Moonlight Beach, Olympos Beach and Mermerli Beach.

And Sun Express isn’t the only airline set to launch new routes in the near future.

Other new routes

Just last month, a regional airline announced that it will be launching a brand-new route from a tiny UK airport.

From the end of June, Southampton Airport will get direct flights to Caean thanks to regional airline Chalair Aviation.

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.

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