Starting in October 2026, several airlines are expanding their flight networks from London to both European and international destinations. Virgin Atlantic is set to launch its first direct flight from London Heathrow to Phuket, Thailand, operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Return flights will run on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. The direct flight is expected to take about 13 hours, significantly shorter than the current 17 to 22 hours with layovers. One-way fares will start from £647. British Airways will also introduce new routes during the winter season. On October 23, it will begin a new service from London Gatwick to Colombo, Sri Lanka, with flights running three times a week until March 27, 2027. Economy return fares start from £620. Additionally, British Airways will add daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Barbados, starting October 25. These flights will take about eight and a half hours, with return economy fares starting from £522. This route will complement existing year-round flights from London Heathrow and will offer onward connections to other Caribbean destinations. British Airways is also changing the departure airport for its flights to Costa Rica and Tampa, Florida, from London Gatwick to London Heathrow, starting October 25. Flights to San José, Costa Rica, will run five times a week during the winter season and three times a week in the summer. Return economy flights start from £654 in November, with a journey time of 11 hours. For Tampa, return flights will take nine hours, starting from as low as £450. Low-cost carriers are also expanding their reach. Wizz Air will launch new routes from London Luton to Malaga, Granada, and Asturias in Spain, beginning in late October 2026. Malaga flights will operate four times a week, Granada twice weekly, and Asturias three times a week, with one-way fares starting from £17.99. Jet2.com will introduce a new route from London Stansted to La Palma in the Canary Islands on October 26, with one-way fares starting from £30. Known for its natural beauty, La Palma offers hiking trails and natural pools. EasyJet will also launch a new route from London Southend to Budapest, Hungary, on October 26, with flights on Mondays and Fridays. One-way fares start from £24, and package breaks are available from £260 per person.