A new route has been flown for the first time by an airline.

TUI made its first trip from Gatwick airport to Luxor in Egypt yesterday, November 7.

Passengers on board the Boeing 737 were surprised with chocolates and balloons in honour of the occasion.

Direct flights will operate twice a week from Gatwick and Manchester airport on Thursdays from November 7 until April 24, 2025.

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The flights will then return for the winter operating season from November 4, 2025, until April 21, 2026.

Lucie Hinton, head of aviation business development at Manchester Airport, said: “We are thrilled to see TUI launching this new service to Luxor. Manchester Airport is proud to connect the North with over 200 destinations worldwide – but this is our first Luxor service and will offer holidaymakers an unforgettable experience delving into the history and culture of Ancient Egypt.”

A spokesman for TUI described Luxor as “a city which encompasses a mesmerising blend of history, architecture and culture”.