One of Greece's most stunning islands is set to become more accessible after
TUI has announced three new direct routes to
Kos – making it easier than ever to bag a slice of Mediterranean paradise.
The leading tourism and leisure group is launching brand-new flights from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted for Summer 2026, giving holidaymakers across the South of England a hassle-free way to reach the sun-soaked Greek gem.
It's the first time ever that Bournemouth and Exeter have been directly connected to Kos by TUI, opening the island to a new wave of holidaymakers who can now travel from their local airport. Customers can book seven or 14-night holidays to the popular island, which boasts golden beaches, ancient ruins and relaxing harbour towns.
And there's even better news for Londoners - the Stansted route, which last ran in 2019, is making a comeback with twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays. With increased frequency comes greater flexibility, with customers able to book 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, or 14-night stays; perfect for both short breaks and longer escapes.
With average summer temperatures hitting a toasty 27°C, Kos is ideal for summer sun-chasers looking to soak up some proper Mediterranean rays.
And it won’t break the bank either; Kos is a great destination for travellers on a budget, with the average beer costing around £3.50 and an ice cream around £2.60.
TUI Musement offers a range of trips in Kos - from exploring the volcanic island of
Nisyros to
sunset cruises along the stunning coastline.
Guided tours make it easy to see island highlights with trips to the mountain village of Zia and the ancient Asclepieion archaeological site.
For families, the
Pirates of Kos boat trip offers swashbuckling fun, while adventure seekers can enjoy
glass-bottom boat tours through the Gulf of Kefalos.
Neil Swanson, Managing Director, at TUI UK&I said: "These new routes to Kos follow a rise in demand for this picturesque Island, which is one of our customers' favourite Greek destinations. By launching services from Bournemouth and Exeter for the first time, and reinstating our popular London Stansted route, we're making it easier than ever for customers across the South of England to enjoy an unforgettable Greek island holiday. The variety of durations available gives our customers real flexibility in planning their perfect getaway, whether that's a quick 3-night escape or a full two-week break. And with pristine beaches, classic tavernas, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and rich history, it’s easy for Brits to make the most of their holiday in Kos."
Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “We’re delighted with TUI’s announcement of new flights to Kos from Exeter Airport for summer 2026, and it's the first time this beautiful Greek island will be directly served from here. This exciting addition expands the choice of sunshine destinations available to our passengers and reflects the continuing strength of demand for holidays from Exeter. We look forward to working closely with TUI to make the route a great success.”
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for our passengers and we’re delighted to see TUI adding Kos to its line-up of holiday destinations from Bournemouth for summer 2026. It’s always great to offer travellers more choice direct from their local airport, and this new service further strengthens our reputation as a convenient gateway to the Mediterranean. We look forward to supporting TUI as the route takes off next year.”
Simon Gorrighan, Aviation Director at London Stansted, said: “We’re delighted to see the return of the London Stansted to Kos route with TUI, reconnecting passengers to one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations. The reintroduction of this service, for the first time since 2019, reflects growing demand for sunshine escapes and strengthens Stansted’s role as a key international gateway for the region. We look forward to welcoming even more holidaymakers through our terminal next summer.”
