Liverpool John Lennon Airport is set to broaden its European footprint in summer 2026, with the launch of new direct flights to Lisbon, Paphos and Naples. The additions strengthen the airport’s growing international network and open up even more choice for travellers heading to some of Europe’s most popular city-breaks and Mediterranean destinations.
The new routes, operated by easyJet, are designed to boost leisure travel from the region and make overseas getaways even more accessible for passengers in the North West. The expansion was first reported by the Liverpool Echo as part of its coverage of the airport’s 2026 route announcements.
New destinations launching from Liverpool in 2026
These routes form part of easyJet’s wider UK network expansion and are expected to go on sale well ahead of the summer 2026 season, giving travellers plenty of time to plan and book their holidays early. The newly announced services will connect Liverpool with three sought-after European destinations:
- Lisbon, Portugal – A classic city-break favourite, with flights expected to operate several times a week from spring 2026.
- Paphos, Cyprus – A go-to summer sun destination, set to launch later in the 2026 season.
- Naples, Italy – Opening the door to southern Italy, including iconic attractions such as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.
Growing choice for North West travellers
Liverpool Airport has steadily expanded its leisure route network in recent years, cutting down the need for passengers to travel to larger hubs such as Manchester or London. Airport leaders have consistently pointed to strong demand from the North West for European sun destinations and city breaks, particularly during the peak summer season.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the latest route additions are designed to appeal to both holidaymakers and short-break travellers, while also helping to drive inbound tourism and support the wider Liverpool City Region.
Liverpool Airport has steadily expanded its leisure route network in recent years, cutting down the need for passengers to travel to larger hubs such as Manchester or London. Airport leaders have consistently pointed to strong demand from the North West for European sun destinations and city breaks, particularly during the peak summer season.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the latest route additions are designed to appeal to both holidaymakers and short-break travellers, while also helping to drive inbound tourism and support the wider Liverpool City Region.
New Routes Confirmation for Private Hire Transfers
For taxi, private hire and airport transfer operators, route announcements like this are about far more than travel headlines. New international destinations almost always translate into higher passenger volumes particularly during early-morning departures and late-night arrivals, when pre-booked airport transfers are in highest demand.
Operators serving Liverpool Airport may want to start preparing now for increased activity around peak summer 2026 dates. Family groups travelling to destinations such as Cyprus and Italy often bring larger luggage loads and require bigger vehicles, creating a clear opportunity for drivers offering spacious, pre-booked transfers. Promoting fixed-price airport journeys well in advance could also prove highly effective as travel plans take shape.
This shift comes at a crucial time. Ongoing redevelopment works at Manchester Airport have led to disruption and lengthy delays, prompting many passengers across the North West to rethink where they fly from. For a growing number of travellers, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is emerging as the more reliable and less stressful alternative.
As its international route network continues to expand, Liverpool Airport is increasingly well positioned to become the go-to choice for leisure travel in the region especially for holidaymakers who value shorter queues, faster security processing and easier road access. If congestion issues at Manchester persist into 2026, Liverpool’s expansion could not be better timed.
For the taxi and private hire trade, the implications are significant. A sustained shift in passenger preference towards Liverpool would naturally drive higher demand for airport transfers, particularly during peak summer periods and early-morning runs. Operators who adapt early and actively market Liverpool Airport services are likely to be best placed as traveller habits continue to evolve.
