London’s airports never sleep. With five major hubs shifting millions of passengers each year, the capital acts as a proper gateway to just about everywhere you’d want to go. Whether you’re after a quick European city break or fancy something more exotic, London’s got you covered with direct flights to over 300 cities worldwide.
New York still dominates transatlantic travel from London. The Heathrow to JFK route alone moved more than 3.2 million passengers last year, and the Big Apple’s pull remains as strong as ever for Londoners seeking that classic American experience. Dubai’s become another major player, drawing people in with its outrageous shopping centres, towering architecture, and desert excursions that deliver serious Instagram content.
Malta’s been having a bit of a moment lately. Ever since easyJet started flying there from Southend, the place has been buzzing with Brits looking for some proper Mediterranean vibes without the usual hassle. Valletta’s got this incredible Baroque architecture that photographs beautifully, and the whole island feels like a history lesson you actually want to pay attention to. What’s quite interesting is how Malta has become a bit of a hotspot for British gamblers, too. The island hosts quite a few gaming operations that work differently from the UK system, which means some people are combining their holidays with visits to sites for self‑excluded players who want different options whilst they’re abroad.
European city breaks keep pulling in the crowds, and you can see why. Amsterdam’s canals look great in spring when the tulips are out, whilst Dublin’s pubs are legendary for a reason. Prague’s been getting more popular lately, especially with younger travellers who’ve cottoned on to how cheap the beer is compared to London prices. Lisbon deserves a special mention because of those hilltop views that are absolutely stunning, and you can eat incredibly well without spending a fortune.
Spain still rules the roost for beach holidays. Palma and Alicante keep delivering on that classic package holiday vibe, but with way better food than people expect. The Balearics have really upped their game recently, especially when it comes to local restaurants that aren’t just churning out terrible paella for tourists. Italy’s getting easier to reach too, with Rimini now offering direct flights from Gatwick, which opens up that whole Adriatic coast that most Brits never bother exploring.
The Asian routes have bounced back properly after the pandemic. Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are back on the menu with British Airways, and both cities are great for street food if you know where to look. Virgin’s new Bengaluru route is quite clever, actually – India’s tech capital has this brilliant mix of old and new that works surprisingly well.
What’s quite interesting is how competitive things have gotten between airlines and airports. Everyone’s fighting for passengers, which means better deals and more routes opening up all the time. London’s position as this massive travel hub means we’re spoilt for choice really – whether you want culture, beaches, adventure, or just somewhere completely different, there’s probably a direct flight that’ll get you there without too much faffing about.