Gran Canaria Joins Billund, Ljubljana, Molde, Oslo Torp, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius in airBaltic’s Winter Tourism Connectivity Boom Across Europe In 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The route forms part of airBaltic’s growing winter operations from its seasonal base in Gran Canaria. The airline will serve seven destinations from the island this winter, including Billund, Ljubljana, Molde, Oslo Torp, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius. This expansion showcases the increasing importance of the Canary Islands as a hub for northern and southern European travellers.

Each new connection adds convenience for tourists seeking variety within short distances. By operating direct flights to multiple European cities, the airline is giving travellers from Gran Canaria more choices to explore northern destinations while also making it easier for visitors to reach Spain’s Atlantic paradise.

Travellers Find New Winter Escape Options

Winter travel is taking a refreshing turn as more Europeans seek sun-drenched destinations during colder months. With airBaltic introducing a new weekly route between Spain’s Gran Canaria and Slovenia’s Ljubljana, winter tourism is getting an extra push. The connection opens the door for travellers who prefer blending warmth with cultural exploration.

The new service offers a chance for Slovenian travellers to escape to the Canary Islands’ mild climate. For many, it’s the perfect retreat from winter frost. Likewise, residents from Gran Canaria gain a direct path to Slovenia’s capital, known for its picturesque old town and vibrant energy. The link strengthens leisure travel choices across the continent and creates fresh opportunities for tourism recovery during off-peak months.

Tourism Strengthened Through Seamless Air Connectivity

Every new route adds momentum to the European tourism network. The direct airBaltic connection between Gran Canaria and Ljubljana is designed to make cross-border travel easier and faster. With a flight time of around five hours, it fits comfortably into travellers’ winter itineraries.

These seasonal flights are expected to encourage two-way tourism. On one side, visitors from Slovenia can reach sunny beaches, volcanic landscapes, and island resorts without stopovers. On the other, Spanish residents can now enjoy central Europe’s festive spirit and architectural charm. Such links support the wider goal of sustaining travel flow through Europe’s colder seasons.

Enhanced Passenger Experience with the Airbus A220-300

Flights on this new route are operated using the Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The modern jet is recognised for its passenger comfort, with wider seats, large windows, and improved cabin space. These features help make long journeys across Europe more enjoyable and convenient.

The airline is also enhancing onboard connectivity through the gradual rollout of free high-speed internet powered by SpaceX Starlink. As one of the first European carriers to introduce this service, the airline aims to create a smoother experience for passengers during flight. This update allows travellers to stay connected, plan their itineraries, or simply enjoy streaming entertainment during their journey.

Strengthening Presence in Spain’s Travel Market

The addition of the Gran Canaria–Ljubljana route reflects a stronger commitment to the Spanish market. The airline currently operates flights from eight airports across Spain: Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, and Valencia. This steady expansion positions the carrier as a key player linking Spain with northern and eastern Europe.

Spain’s tourism hubs have long been popular among travellers from colder regions, and new routes such as this make those destinations even more accessible. Increased connectivity also benefits local hospitality sectors, from hotels to restaurants, by attracting visitors throughout the year.

A Broader European Network

airBaltic continues to expand its footprint across Europe, connecting the Baltic States with around eighty destinations across the continent, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Its growing network not only strengthens tourism between major cities but also improves mobility for business and leisure travellers alike.

For tourists, such broad coverage means more options for flexible travel planning. Whether heading south for a beach holiday or north for cultural experiences, passengers gain from smoother connections. This route’s launch symbolises the growing integration between southern and northern Europe’s tourism landscapes.

Looking Ahead to a Stronger Travel Season

With this new winter service, travel between Spain’s Canary Islands and Slovenia is set to become more convenient and enjoyable. As the tourism sector adapts to changing travel patterns, the expansion of routes like this supports steady year-round demand.

Travellers will find it easier to explore diverse destinations, from sunny islands to historic European capitals, without multiple connections. The route’s introduction highlights the ongoing effort to strengthen European tourism and provide travellers with accessible, comfortable, and efficient air travel options through the winter season and beyond.

Image Source: AI

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Ryanair Expands Polish Network with New Winter Route Connecting Brussels and Katowice

Ryanair has expanded its Polish operations with the launch of a new winter route between Brussels Charleroi and Katowice. This new connection, which began operating this week, will run twice a week and is part of Ryanair’s wider winter schedule for 2025/2026. The airline has also added routes to Budapest and Trapani, increasing the number of destinations from Katowice Airport to 15.

This new route highlights Ryanair’s ongoing commitment to growing its presence in Poland, particularly at Katowice Airport, one of the country’s fastest-growing regional hubs. By adding the Brussels service, Ryanair further solidifies its position as a major player in the Polish travel market, enhancing connectivity for both leisure and business travelers.

Boosting Travel Options for Tourists

The new Brussels–Katowice route will offer more travel choices for tourists looking to explore Southern Poland. Katowice, located in the Silesian region, is known for its rich industrial history and vibrant cultural scene. With the expansion of Ryanair’s network, tourists now have increased access to the region, making it easier to visit the many attractions that Katowice and its surroundings have to offer.

The route is part of Ryanair’s broader efforts to improve access to regional destinations in Europe, allowing travelers to explore new cities and cultures with greater frequency and convenience. By offering affordable fares, Ryanair is opening up the region to a wider audience, ensuring that more tourists can experience the unique charm of Katowice and the surrounding areas.

Ryanair’s Growing Presence in Poland

This new route between Brussels and Katowice marks another milestone for Ryanair’s growth in Poland. Ryanair continues to prioritize regional airports in Poland as part of its broader strategy to improve connectivity across Europe. Katowice Airport is a key component of this strategy, with Ryanair operating three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at the airport, representing a $300 million investment.

This investment not only enhances the travel options available to tourists but also supports local economies. The expansion at Katowice Airport is expected to create over 1,000 local jobs, further boosting the region’s tourism and aviation sectors. For travelers, this means more affordable and frequent options to reach Poland’s cultural and historical landmarks.

More Destinations for Southern Poland’s Leisure Travel

In addition to the Brussels route, Ryanair has announced another exciting addition to its winter 2025/2026 schedule: a new Katowice–Malaga service. Starting on March 30, 2026, this route will open up even more opportunities for leisure travelers heading to Southern Poland. The Katowice–Malaga route will offer travelers a direct connection to the Mediterranean coast, known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate.

By increasing the number of destinations from Katowice, Ryanair is making it easier for travelers to access not only major European cities but also popular vacation spots. This expansion will also likely appeal to tourists who are looking for budget-friendly options for their trips to Spain, further enhancing the region’s appeal to international visitors.

Strengthening Katowice as a Key European Hub

With the launch of new routes and the ongoing investment in its fleet, Katowice Airport is rapidly becoming one of Ryanair’s key bases in Central Europe. The expanded network brings greater frequency and more options for travelers, whether they are flying for leisure or business. For Ryanair, the airport’s growth represents an important part of its European strategy, connecting more people to affordable travel destinations across the continent.

For tourists, this means enhanced accessibility to the city and surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting Katowice’s cultural landmarks or exploring nearby attractions, Ryanair’s growing network ensures that traveling to the region is both convenient and cost-effective.

Tourism Opportunities in Katowice and Beyond

As more travelers visit Katowice, the city is seeing an increase in tourism-driven initiatives. The region offers a diverse mix of attractions, including historical sites, museums, and modern landmarks like the International Congress Centre and Spodek Arena. With Ryanair’s growing network, these destinations will be within easier reach for tourists across Europe, making the city a more attractive destination for both short and long-term visits.

Katowice’s role as a cultural and business hub is expected to grow, supported by Ryanair’s focus on affordable, efficient travel options. With direct flights to multiple European cities, tourists will have greater opportunities to explore the rich history, dynamic architecture, and vibrant arts scene that the region offers.

Conclusion

Ryanair’s expansion in Katowice further strengthens the city’s position as a key destination for travelers. With new routes to Brussels and Malaga, the airline is not only making it easier for tourists to visit Southern Poland but is also contributing to the growth of the local economy. Katowice’s growing role as a travel hub is expected to bring more tourists, enhance connectivity, and increase the region’s appeal to international visitors.

Image Source: Ryanair

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