UK-based airline Jet2 has announced a significant expansion of its services to Crete for Summer 2025, introducing new routes and extending its operating season. The expansion comes at a time of remarkable growth for Cretan tourism, with early bookings for Summer 2025 already showing a 31% increase compared to the same period last year, and overall tourism projections indicating an expected 11% rise in visitors for 2025.
Two new routes to Heraklion, Crete’s capital, will commence operations from Bournemouth Airport and London Luton Airport, strengthening the airline’s presence in the region. Additionally, Jet2 has announced an earlier start to its Chania services, with flights beginning from April 3rd, 2025 – perfectly timed for Easter holiday travelers from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted airports.
Unprecedented Scale of Operations
The expansion is part of Jet2’s ambitious growth in Greek tourism, with the airline set to offer approximately three million seats between the UK and Greece for the 2025 season. During peak periods, Jet2 will operate up to 320 weekly flights across its Greek network, solidifying its position as the leading carrier between the UK and Greece.
Strong Market Performance
The timing of this expansion aligns with Crete’s impressive tourism performance. In 2024, the island welcomed 5.35 million visitors through its airports, marking a 7% increase from 2023, along with 850,000 cruise passengers. As the UK maintains its position as Crete’s third-largest market, after Germany and France, these new routes are strategically positioned to serve growing demand.
Steve Heapy, Jet2’s CEO, expressed optimism about the expansion: “We are experiencing fantastic demand for Greek holidays from customers and independent travel agents. We are investing considerably into expanding our Greek operations, whilst working with our hotel and industry partners to make sure that we boost awareness, fill hotels, and create the best holiday memories.”
Enhanced Holiday Options
Beyond the new flight routes, Jet2 is significantly expanding its accommodation offerings in Greece, adding more than 125 new hotels to its portfolio. This expansion comes as Crete’s accommodation sector shows robust growth, with available properties increasing by 3% between April and September 2024, and overnight stays recording a 12% increase during the same period.
For travelers planning their 2025 summer holidays, these new routes and extended seasons offer greater flexibility in travel dates and more competitive pricing options. The expansion particularly benefits residents near Bournemouth and London Luton airports, who now have direct access to Crete’s popular Heraklion region.
The expansion supports Crete’s sustainable tourism growth of 6-7% annually, contributing to an island that already generates 26% of Greece’s total tourism turnover while maintaining a balance that avoids overtourism.
Published on: February 9th, 2025
