New Air Routes Coming to the Canary Islands in 2026
The Canary Islands Government has approved €682,888 in subsidies to help launch and strengthen new international air routes to the Archipelago in 2026. The funding is aimed at encouraging airlines to operate routes that either did not previously exist or needed financial backing to become viable. Major carriers benefiting from the scheme include Jet2, TUI, Volotea, EasyJet, and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), all of which submitted business plans deemed technically and economically sound.
New confirmed routes for 2026
Thanks to this support package, a number of strategic direct routes between the islands and Europe will begin operating or be reinforced next year:
- London Stansted – La Palma (SPC)
- Marseille – Gran Canaria (LPA)
- Stockholm – Fuerteventura (FUE)
- Copenhagen – Fuerteventura (FUE)
- Nantes – La Palma (SPC)
- Basel – La Palma (SPC)
The additions reflect a strong commitment to important European markets, particularly the UK, France, and the Nordic countries.
Airlines receiving support
The subsidies have been awarded to the following companies:
- Jet2.com
- TUI Spain
- Volotea
- EasyJet UK
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Each airline submitted detailed plans outlining expected passenger demand, marketing strategy, and operational capacity to ensure the long-term viability of the new routes.
One application rejected
Not all proposals were accepted. EasyJet Airline Spain was excluded after failing to submit the required documentation on time, preventing the government from assessing its operational and financial guarantees.
No competition between airlines
The government highlighted that there was no direct competition between applicants, as no two airlines applied for the same route. As a result, awards were based solely on meeting the eligibility criteria rather than score-based comparisons.
Boost for tourism
These incentives form part of the Canary Islands’ strategy to strengthen international connectivity and ensure a steady flow of tourists throughout the year. The new routes not only make access easier but also help diversify the tourism market and reduce dependence on traditional countries.
With this renewed push, the Canary Islands aim to continue positioning themselves as one of Europe’s best-connected holiday destinations, using public funding to support airline partnerships and open new travel opportunities.
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