TUI has announced a significant expansion of its Kos schedule for the summer of 2026, adding two new UK airports – Bournemouth and Exeter – and resuming flights from London Stansted for the first time since the 2019 pandemic.
The new connections are expected to boost the flow of British tourists to Kos, one of the most popular Greek islands in the UK market, according to the tour operator.
Three airports, increased choice
Flights from Stansted will operate twice a week, every Monday and Thursday, offering greater flexibility to travelers. From Bournemouth and Exeter, the schedules will allow for 7 or 14-night holidays, while there is also an option for short three-night getaways.
The starting price for a seven-day, all-inclusive holiday for two people starts from £667 per person, departing from Stansted on 11 June 2026.
Increased demand for Kos
TUI UK & Ireland chief executive Neil Swanson said the decision follows increased demand for Kos, which he described as “one of our customers’ favourite Greek destinations”.
“With the addition of the new routes from Bournemouth and Exeter and the reintroduction of Stansted, we are making it even easier for travellers from the south of England to enjoy an unforgettable holiday on a Greek island of unparalleled natural beauty,” said Swanson, adding that the variety in duration of the packages “offers real flexibility for our customers”.
Positive reactions from British airports
The return of the Stansted-Kos route, which was discontinued in 2019, was welcomed by the airport’s director of aviation services, Simon Gorrighan, who stressed that the re-opening of the route “reflects the continued rise in demand for sun destinations” and reinforces Stansted’s position as a “hub international gateway for the region”.
Bournemouth Airport’s chief executive, Steve Gill, stressed that the new connection “offers travelers more choice direct from their local airport”, while reinforcing Bournemouth’s reputation as a “convenient and practical gateway to the Mediterranean”.
Similarly, Stephen Wiltshire, chief executive of Exeter Airport, said that Kos would be served directly from the airport for the first time, noting that the new connection “expands the choice of sun destinations and confirms the momentum in demand for travel from Exeter”.
TUI’s presence in Greece strengthened
With the new additions, TUI continues to expand its footprint in Greece, where it already has a strong presence in top destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Zakynthos. Kos remains among the most popular Greek destinations for the British market, thanks to its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and high-level tourist infrastructure.
This development is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy of Kos, contributing to the expansion of the tourist season and a steady flow of arrivals from the British market in the coming years.
