Holiday group TUI is to introduce a new summer destination and increased frequency on some of its established routes from Bristol Airport next year, giving another boost to the airport as it continues to recover from the impact of Covid.
Tui’s announcement, which includes Boa Vista in Cape Verde for the first time, follows Irish airline’s re-introduction of its service to Cork from Bristol along with new routes from its two biggest low-cost airlines easyJet and Ryanair.
Emerald, the exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services, already operates flights between Bristol and Dublin.
In addition to the new route to Boa Vista, Cape Verde, TUI’s summer 2024 programme will offer daily flights to Palma de Mallorca.
In total the group, which includes the First Choice and Marella Cruises brands, will fly to 31 destinations in 11 countries from Bristol.
These include 26 flights a week to nine Greek island destinations. There will also be increased frequency on a number of routes, including five times a week to Dalaman in Turkey, four times weekly to Antalya, Corfu, Heraklion, Ibiza, Kos and Zakynthos.
Kefalonia and Tenerife, and three times weekly to Enfidha and Marrakesh, giving opportunities for 10 or 11-night holidays as well as short breaks. 
There will also be five flights a week to support Marella Cruise programmes from Dubrovnik, Palma de Mallorca, Corfu and Dalaman.
TUI managing director Andrew Flintham said: “Our customers want more flexibility and to be able to choose a departure airport that is close to home – and that is exactly what the new TUI 2024 summer programme has been designed to do.
“We want every one of our customers to be able to create a holiday as unique as they are – departure airport, destination and duration are all key components which come together to make the perfect TUI holiday.
“The 2024 programme will see extra flights departing from across the UK. Bristol Airport will see a significant increase in flight seats offering more holidays to those living in the region.”
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees added: “This is exciting news. These new flights show the positive momentum offering extended choice of destinations and stay lengths for customers.
“The increased capacity for next year builds on the strong growth we are experiencing with TUI from Bristol Airport.
“The programme provides even more choice for customers when using their local airport to travel to a variety of exciting destinations, and enjoy the extensive cruise programme available from Marella Cruises. We look forward to working with TUI on future route opportunities.”
Emerald Airline’s flights to Cork, the Republic of Ireland’s second largest city, operate daily except Saturday. Their introduction follows the launch of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) inaugural service from Bristol to Zurich.
The airport, which has made the fastest recovery from the pandemic of any in the UK, is also benefiting from new destinations from Ryanair and easyJet while full-service German flag carrier Lufthansa is to increase frequency on its Frankfurt route.
The airport expects to handle around 9.9m passengers during 2023 – nudging the 10m figure for the first time since 2019.
