Travelers across Europe and North Africa are set to enjoy new options for summer getaways in 2026, thanks to a series of fresh flight routes launched by TUI and its airline subsidiaries. As airlines gear up to meet the ever-growing demand for leisure travel, the announcement of new direct flights to both classic and emerging destinations is turning heads among holidaymakers and industry insiders alike.
One of the most eye-catching additions comes courtesy of TUI, which has revealed plans to introduce direct flights from the UK to Zakopane, a picturesque mountain town nestled in the southern reaches of Poland. According to GB News, the new service will debut in summer 2026, offering British travelers a swift 2.5-hour journey to the heart of the Tatra Mountains. Zakopane, long beloved by Poles for its wooden architecture, vibrant folk culture, and sweeping alpine vistas, has seen a quiet surge in international interest in recent years. Now, with TUI’s new route, the town is poised to welcome a fresh wave of visitors eager to explore its unique blend of outdoor adventure and old-world charm.
“TUI has announced a new destination for summer 2026: Zakopane, a charming European mountain town approximately 2.5 hours flight from the UK,” GB News reported. The move is expected to boost tourism in the region, making it more accessible than ever for those seeking an alternative to the more crowded resorts of the Alps or Pyrenees. While Zakopane is renowned as Poland’s winter capital, drawing skiers and snowboarders from across Europe, its summer appeal is equally strong—think hiking, mountain biking, and relaxing in thermal spas, all set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks.
But the flurry of new flights isn’t limited to Central Europe. TUI fly Belgium is also making headlines with the launch of a direct air link between Casablanca and Barcelona, set to operate during the summer of 2026. As detailed by Morocco World News, this seasonal service will run from July 2 through August 31, connecting Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca with Barcelona–El Prat Airport. The flights will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, catering to the high demand for travel between these two vibrant Mediterranean cities during the peak holiday months.
For Moroccan travelers, the new route offers a direct gateway to Catalonia’s capital—a city that needs little introduction. Barcelona, famed for its golden beaches, iconic architecture by Antoni Gaudí, and bustling cultural scene, remains one of Europe’s most visited urban destinations. The new service is designed to facilitate both short city breaks and longer, more leisurely stays, opening up fresh possibilities for those seeking sun, sea, and a taste of Spanish hospitality.
“TUI fly Belgium will launch a new direct air link between Casablanca and Barcelona during summer 2026,” Morocco World News noted, emphasizing the significance of the move for both the airline and its customers. With one-way fares starting from approximately MAD 659.89 (about $72.21), the route is positioned as an accessible option for a wide range of travelers—from families planning a Mediterranean holiday to businesspeople and students commuting between the two cities.
The launch of the Casablanca–Barcelona service also marks an important step in TUI fly Belgium’s broader strategy. By expanding its presence in the Spanish market, the airline is not only tapping into the enduring appeal of Barcelona as a tourist hub but also strengthening travel ties between Morocco and Spain—two countries with deep historical, economic, and cultural connections. The new flights are expected to add valuable capacity during the busy summer months, when passenger traffic traditionally surges.
“The route expands TUI fly Belgium’s presence in the Spanish market and provides Moroccan travelers a direct gateway to Barcelona,” Morocco World News highlighted. The service is already available for booking through the airline’s usual sales channels, giving travelers plenty of time to plan their summer adventures.
Industry observers say these new routes reflect a broader trend in European and North African aviation, as airlines adapt their schedules to match evolving travel patterns. In the wake of the pandemic, many carriers have shifted focus toward leisure destinations, responding to pent-up demand for holidays and the growing popularity of flexible, short-haul travel. The addition of Zakopane and the Casablanca–Barcelona connection is seen as a savvy move by TUI, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the summer travel market.
“The service is designed to facilitate both short stays and extended holidays,” Morocco World News explained, underscoring the airline’s efforts to cater to a diverse array of travelers. Whether it’s a weekend escape to the mountains or a two-week Mediterranean sojourn, TUI’s expanded network promises more choice and convenience for customers on both sides of the continent.
The timing of these announcements is no accident. With summer 2026 still more than a year away, travelers have ample opportunity to research destinations, compare fares, and secure the best deals. For many, the chance to discover lesser-known gems like Zakopane or to revisit perennial favorites such as Barcelona is an enticing prospect—especially with the promise of direct, affordable flights.
Of course, the success of these new routes will depend on a range of factors, from broader economic conditions to the ongoing evolution of travel preferences. But for now, the mood among tourism officials and local businesses in both Zakopane and Barcelona is optimistic. The influx of visitors is expected to provide a welcome boost to hospitality sectors still recovering from recent challenges, while also fostering greater cultural exchange and understanding between regions.
As airlines like TUI continue to innovate and expand, travelers can look forward to a future where the world feels just a little bit smaller—and a lot more accessible. With direct flights connecting mountain towns and Mediterranean metropolises, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one to remember for jet-setters and explorers alike.
For those already dreaming of their next adventure, the message is clear: new horizons are just a boarding pass away.