Best new flight routes launching from the UK in 2018
2018 will see the launch of some of the much-anticipated flight routes to date, bringing less-discovered corners of the world closer to British holidaymakers. Buenos Aires, Perth and Portland are set to be some of the hottest holiday destinations for 2018, with new flights being launched by Qantas, Norwegian and Delta.
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To help you plan your 2018 holiday early, we've picked five of our favourite new flight routes - from British Airways' London to Seychelles service, to Qatar Airways' Cardiff to Doha route...
London to Perth, Australia
Qantas is set to offer an aviation first with its new non-stop flights from Heathrow to Perth. The 14,498 kilometre service will take 17 hours and will be the first regular passenger service to directly link Australia with Europe when it begins in March. Fares start from £1,095 return and are expected to drop below £900 return during deal periods. The capital of Western Australia is undergoing a significant period of change, with the attention turning from its glorious natural environment to its urban offering. New waterfront development Elizabeth Quay offers wining and dining options, a pedestrian and cyclists' bridge, and promenades, while the city's new heart, Yagan Square, is also under construction and will offer a range of experiences including green spaces for relaxation, cafes and a spectacular lighting installation at night.
London to Seychelles
One of the world's most desirable holiday destinations will be more accessible to UK travellers when British Airways launches direct flights from the UK to the Seychelles in March 2018. Popular among honeymooners and luxury sun-seekers, the Seychelles offers some of the best beaches on the planet, lush mountain peaks and colourful coral reefs to explore. The twice-weekly flights from Heathrow to Mahé will start from £699 return and will be the only direct flights to the Seychelles from the UK. A-list visitors and even members of the royal family (George and Amal Clooney and Kate and William honeymooned here) love the Seychelles, which offer five-star extravagance, paradise beaches and exclusivity. Famed for its picture-perfect islands, jungle-like interior and giant tortoises, the Seychelles are ideal for beach lovers, families and romantic travellers.
London to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Norwegian will commence a new route from Gatwick to Buenos Aires in February 2018, marking the low-cost airline's first ever South American route as its UK expansion plans gather pace. Fares will cost as little as £299 one-way, breaking the current monopoly on direct London to Buenos Aires flights, offering passengers more choice and lower fares. Often called the 'Paris of South America', Buenos Aires offers UK travellers a unique mix of European and Latin American culture. By day, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital city features classical architecture, over 250 parks and green spaces, sidewalk cafes and world-class shopping. By night, the city boasts a thriving cultural scene including top-class bars, restaurants and theatres, as well as a vibrant music scene giving travellers chance to dance in the home of the tango.
Cardiff to Doha, Qatar
Qatar Airways is introducing flights from Cardiff to Doha in May 2018, with fares from one of the world's best airlines starting at £499 return. The new direct route will bring Welsh travellers closer to the five-star destination, which offers world-class hotels, gourmet dining experiences and luxury shopping. Highlights of the Middle Eastern city include the Heritage Village, the many museums and Arabian culture.
London to Portland, USA
In May 2018, Delta is launching the only direct flight between the UK and Portland, Oregon. It will fly from Heathrow four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer season, with return fares starting at £844. Portland is quickly becoming one of the trendiest cities in the USA, renowned for its street food (over 500 carts at any given time), more than 75 micro-breweries and boutique shopping. If you want to go beyond the city, Oregon's fabulous scenery is also on your doorstep. Forest Park – the largest wilderness park in America – is within city limits and there is plenty of surfing or whale watching to be had along the picturesque Pacific Coast.
Take a look at our pick of the best destinations to visit in 2018...
