Bournemouth Airport last week saw significant growth with the introduction of TUI's second aircraft and Jet2.com's first Winter Sun programme, enhancing connectivity and flexibility for travellers. Andrew Bell, CEO of Regional & City Airports, discusses these key strategic developments and their impact on regional connectivity and service excellence.

At Regional & City Airports (RCA), we continue to see significant growth and development at Bournemouth Airport, reflecting our strategic vision for enhancing connectivity and service offerings for our passengers. Two recent developments underline this commitment: the introduction of TUI's second aircraft and Jet2.com’s launch of their first-ever Winter Sun programme from Bournemouth.

TUI's decision to base a second aircraft at Bournemouth Airport for Summer 2024 represents a notable enhancement in our service capacity. This addition will increase the frequency of flights to popular destinations such as Lanzarote, Heraklion, Ibiza, Menorca, Paphos, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, and allows for more flexible holiday durations, catering to the varied needs of our customers with options for 10, 11, and traditional 7 and 14-night stays.

The impact of this additional capacity is substantial. With over 70,000 seats to the Balearic Islands, 60,000 to Greece, 40,000 to the Canary Islands, and 25,000 to Turkey, we are poised to meet the growing demand for Mediterranean holidays from the South Coast. This expansion is not only a testament to TUI’s confidence in Bournemouth Airport but also enhances our ability to serve our community effectively.

In tandem with TUI’s expansion, we are equally excited about Jet2.com and Jet2holidays launching their first Winter Sun programme from Bournemouth Airport. Following the successful launch of their Summer 2025 flights and subsequent enthusiastic demand by putting nine Winter Sun destinations on sale for Winter 2025/26. This early release - another resounding vote of confidence - allows customers to plan ahead and secure their winter getaways, further enhancing the flexibility and options available to them.

The Winter Sun destinations include the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura), Spain (Alicante), Majorca (Palma), Turkey (Antalya), and Portugal (Faro and Madeira). With up to 15 weekly departures during peak periods, this programme significantly broadens the horizons for our passengers seeking warmth during the colder months.

Together, These developments are aligned with RCA's broader strategic goals of enhancing regional connectivity, supporting local economies, and providing exceptional service to our passengers. Bournemouth Airport, under the stewardship of Managing Director Steve Gill, is expected to handle over one million passengers this year. The addition of new aircraft and expanded route offerings from TUI and Jet2.com are crucial to achieving this milestone.

As we continue to enhance our service offerings and infrastructure, we remain committed to fostering strong partnerships with airlines and tour operators as part of RCA's commitment to growth, innovation, and supporting regional development. These collaborations not only boost our operational capacity but also drive regional development and connectivity, benefiting our local communities and passengers alike.