UK airports launch new routes to dream holiday spots - including first direct flights to Sydney

British holidaymakers are in for a treat as two major new flight routes are set to transform travel to some of the world's most sought-after destinations.

From October 2027, Qantas will make aviation history by launching the first-ever non-stop service between Sydney and London. In the Midlands, EGYPTAIR is bringing direct flights from Birmingham to Cairo starting in October 2026. This will open up Egypt's ancient wonders without the hassle of connections.

Whether you want to explore the Australian outback or marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, these new routes are great for anyone dreaming of their next big adventure.

The Qantas Sydney-London route represents a milestone in aviation history. The Australian carrier has been flying between the two cities since 1947, when the journey took four days and required seven stops along the way.

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Now, thanks to Project Sunrise, passengers will be able to fly the entire distance without touching down, saving up to four hours compared to current one-stop options.

The airline has worked with Airbus to create a specially designed A350-1000ULR aircraft, fitted with an extra 20,000-litre fuel tank that allows it to cover more than 16,000 kilometres in a single flight lasting up to 22 hours.

Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said: "We made a commitment in 2017 that Qantas would conquer the final frontier of long-haul aviation and connect Australia's east coast directly to London, something that has never before been possible. From October 2027, that promise becomes reality."

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For those in the Midlands, EGYPTAIR's new Birmingham to Cairo service kicks off on October 27, 2026, making it the airport's first and only direct link to Egypt's capital.

The route will run four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with passengers flying on the airline's brand-new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Tickets are on sale now.

Chief commercial officer of Birmingham Airport, Matt Hazelwood, said: "We are delighted to connect our passengers directly to a bucket-list destination like Cairo, a city that effortlessly blends thousands of years of incredible history with a contemporary culture, via our new partnership with EGYPTAIR.

"This route will strengthen our Egyptian offering, providing greater choice for our customers direct from Birmingham Airport."

Both routes offer fantastic opportunities for British holidaymakers looking to escape the grey skies back home.

Cairo's warm climate makes it a perfect year-round destination, with mild winters averaging around 20°C – ideal for exploring the ancient sites – and warm summer evenings perfect for dining along the Nile.

The Egyptian capital also serves as a gateway to the Red Sea coast and Upper Egypt's treasures through EGYPTAIR's domestic network.

UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "This is a historic moment, not just for British aviation and tourism, but for the millions of passengers who will experience flying from Sydney to London non-stop for the first time.

"Qantas' decision to make London the first destination for Project Sunrise is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK as a hub for global tourism, and a reflection of the deep ties between our two countries."

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