Travel · Bristol
Bristol Airport adds new Jet2 flight route for 2026 winter season
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Holidaymakers from Swindon and the wider region will have new options for winter city breaks as Jet2 launches a direct route to Cologne from Bristol Airport.
Travelers from Swindon looking ahead to their 2026 festive plans now have a new destination option from Bristol Airport. Jet2 has confirmed the addition of a direct flight route to Cologne as part of its most extensive winter programme to date.
The new service, which is scheduled to run from Monday, 16 November 2026, until Wednesday, 23 December 2026, aims to provide direct access to the German city’s renowned Christmas markets, which traditionally open in mid-November.
This route is one of 34 new flight paths announced by the airline as part of a wider expansion across its UK network for the 2026/2027 winter season. The move comes in response to what the airline describes as strong demand from travellers and independent travel agents for a broader range of seasonal getaways, spanning winter sun destinations, ski trips, and festive city breaks.
For residents in Swindon and North Wiltshire, the route offers a convenient alternative for reaching the Rhineland. Cologne joins a growing list of European Christmas market destinations accessible via direct flights from Bristol, including existing connections to cities such as Strasbourg, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, operated by various carriers.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, stated that the expansion is intended to provide customers with greater flexibility for their winter travel plans. The airline currently has over 6 million seats on sale for the 2026/2027 season, covering 42 destinations.
Those planning a winter trip are advised to check individual airline schedules for specific flight times and availability as booking windows open. Passengers are reminded to consider total travel time when planning their journeys from the Swindon area to Bristol Airport, particularly during peak festive periods when transport links to the terminal can experience increased demand.
Source: Swindon Advertiser · View original