Budget airline announces new UK route to seaside city – and flights start from £27
A BUDGET airline is launching flights from a major UK airport to a coastal city in Europe.
Wizz Air is launching flights from London Gatwick to Varna in Bulgaria.
The airline will add three weekly flights from London Gatwick to Varna – the country’s third-largest city.
Flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with prices starting from £26.99 for a one-way ticket.
Outbound flights will leave London Gatwick at 2pm before arriving in Bulgaria at 7.20pm.
The return flights will then leave Varna at 10.50pm, landing in London at 12.30am.
Wizz Air’s current route between London Gatwick and Varna will continue to operate as usual, giving UK passengers a daily connection to the Bulgarian city.
The route is set to launch from June 18, 2024, with tickets already available to purchase on the airline’s website.
As Bulgaria’s third largest city and the country’s maritime capital, there are plenty of things to do in Varna, including the Archaeological Museum.
There are also the Roman Thermae Baths, which are the country’s largest and the fourth largest in Europe.
Varna is also relatively cheap too – especially when it comes to food and drink, with pints said to cost just £1.75.
Located on the Black Sea Coast, Varna certainly isn’t sort on beaches.
One of those places is Albena, which is around 35 minutes away from Varna.
The lesser-known seaside resort was built in the 1960s, and it is privately-owned.
The two-mile stretch of beach is considered one of the best in the country, with umbrellas and sunloungers to rent for as little as 45p, as well as shops and cafes lining the promenade.
Booze is cheap in Bulgaria, with beer for just a few pounds and cocktails for less than a fiver.
There’s also Kavarna, which is nearly an hour away from Varna.
Kavarna has a huge man-made beach that was built in the 20th century.
Tourists often praise it as being “clean and not too overcrowded” as well as being good for kids.
There are also beach showers and restaurants and cafes across the pier, along with umbrellas you can rent for around £2.
Down the road is also Bendida Beach, which tourists have likened to Greece and said is the most “beautiful beach in the country”.
Tourists often climb Cape Chirakman or Bison Fortress for the best views of the resort.
The resort became popular in the Noughties due to the annual Kavarna Rockfest, which attracted acts such as Alice Cooper and Motorhead.
This ended in 2016, with the beach resort being much more relaxing now.
Zsuzsa Trubek, Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “We are pleased to announce the new route from London Gatwick to Varna, making it easier for travellers to explore the city this summer, while also connecting families between the UK and Bulgaria.
“Varna is a beautiful coastal city with a range of activities for UK tourists to explore.
“From beaches and parks to its museums and ancient historical landmarks, it is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a less traditional solo trip, family holiday, or a trip with friends this summer.”
Wizz Air isn’t the only airline launching new routes across Europe, with several others also announcing new summer flights.
Other New Routes
From the end of June, Southampton Airport will get direct flights to Caean thanks to regional airline Chalair Aviation.
Last month, Ryanair launched brand-new flights from Norwich Airport to several holiday hotspots.
Brit holidaymakers in East Anglia can now fly to Alicante, Faro and Malta from Norwich Airport with Ryanair.
Flights will operate on both Mondays and Fridays, making these routes an ideal choice for a long weekend away.
Ryanair has also launched new flights from Cardiff Airport.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
Meanwhile, easyJet is set to operate a brand-new route between London Gatwick and a newly-revamp airport in Italy.
The airline will fly twice weekly from London Gatwick to Pontecagnano (Salerno) Airport, which is currently undergoing a huge £400million renovation.
