TUI Airways has confirmed it is axing several long-haul routes, starting this spring, causing concern among travelers eager to visit popular destinations such as Costa Rica and Saint Lucia. The airline will cease its direct flights from London Gatwick to these favored spots by the end of spring and early summer.
Specifically, the last direct flights to Costa Rica will depart at the end of April, followed by the final service to Saint Lucia, which will conclude at the end of May. Currently, travelers planning holidays to Costa Rica will no longer have the option of direct 10-hour flights to Liberia Airport, the main gateway to the region's stunning coastal resorts. The decision has been met with mixed reactions from the tourism community, as it increases travel time significantly for vacationers who must now seek connecting flights, extending their travel time to as much as 18 hours.
TUI's cancellation means directly connecting to Costa Rica will now predominantly rely on British Airways's three weekly flights to San Jose, but these are only available during high season from November to March, limiting options for travelers year-round.
Similarly, guests travelling to Saint Lucia can expect to lose their direct route from London Gatwick, with TUI reassuredly stating it will continue to offer holiday packages through other airlines, albeit not directly through its airline.
Patricia Charlery-Leon, director of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, expressed optimism surrounding this transition, commenting to Metro, "The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is aware of TUI's plans to end its service to the island. While the initial news was disappointing, the operator is confident..." She emphasized the continuous flight coverage from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will sustain tourist numbers. With daily flights to the island from Gatwick and regular services from London Heathrow, Saint Lucia is set to remain accessible for UK vacationers.
Moving away from these destination losses, TUI is also dropping its service from Birmingham to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, effectively consolidative its routes. Although TUI has deferred this service, they will be integrating it with their other routes from Gatwick and Manchester to Orlando, maintaining their presence in the ever-popular theme park region.
According to reports, TUI's latest strategic decisions stem from standard procedures to reassess flight schedules based on customer demand. This decision reflects shifting market trends, echoed across the industry, especially following rapid changes post-COVID. With the airline already suspending its Manchester to Cuba route last year and implementing adjustments to their Costa Rica flight structure, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant about upcoming changes.
Despite the cancellations, TUI has announced plans to boost their travel offerings, launching new tours across Asia, Europe, and South America. The comprehensive expansion will include adventures spanning from the pristine beaches of Vietnam to the scenic allure of Sardinia and beyond, promising engaging options for adventurous travelers.
The recent news is indicative of broader challenges within the airline industry. For example, low-cost carrier Ryanair is similarly cutting routes to several popular European destinations, following the introduction of new aviation taxes. Observations noted cuts across popular travel points such as Spain and Denmark, highlighting the turbulent nature of travel planning for the average holidaymaker this season.
With TUI still dedicated to providing holiday experiences to travelers, including through third-party services, many may still find their summer plans intact. The tourism authorities and TUI remain confident, voicing commitments to support continuing travel demands.
For now, passengers who had booked the direct routes with TUI Airlines are being offered options to rebook or receive full refunds. Nevertheless, the changes demonstrate the complex reality of adapting travel plans during this transitional period for the airline industry.
Looking forward, TUI confirmed they will continue offering various flight options, including dreamy retreats to the Dominican Republic. This new route will provide escape options for travelers from Belfast starting June 20, 2026, marking TUI's commitment to meet holidaymaker demands from regions beyond the usual suspects.
Amidst these complex changes, travelers will undoubtedly have questions and concerns, but with TUI's established networks and the support from regional tourism boards, it emphasizes the resilience of international travel.