Brits will soon be able to enjoy the balmy year-round temperatures and beautiful beaches at this beautiful, long-forgotten resort destination as a major airline has announced its return. British airline TUI is reintroducing direct flights from a major UK airport to Sharm el-Sheikh, a stunning Egyptian city that was a major draw for UK holidaymakers in the noughties.
The first flight – departing from East Midlands Airport – is scheduled for March 26, 2026, with the service set to operate twice-weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. The flight will last five and a half hours – less than any flights to the likes of Dubai, Mauritius and the Seychelles. TUI UK&I Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “Due to strong customer demand, we are thrilled to once again connect the East Midlands with the stunning Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. With hundreds of amazing hotels to choose from and guaranteed sunshine, Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect destination for a summer holiday. We have plenty of amazing all-inclusive deals with flexible flying options, and some of the best splash parks to entertain the kids”.
During the summer, Sharm el-Sheikh’s temperatures stand at a toasty 35C to 38C. Yet, it is also a popular winter sun destination as temperatures seldom dip below 24C – around 17C warmer than the UK for that time of year.
Nestled between the golden sands of the Sinai Peninsula and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt was once a top holiday hotspot for Brits, especially in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Its popularity continued until 2015, when a terror attack on a Russian passenger plane tragically killed all 224 people on board.
Following the incident, UK flights to Sharm el Sheikh were suspended for four years. TUI eventually resumed holiday packages in 2019, after the Foreign Office declared the destination safe again, thanks to major improvements in airport security.
Unfortunately, the recovery was short-lived as the COVID-19 pandemic soon brought tourism to a halt again. TUI reinstated the route again in summer 2022 and continued through summer 2023, driven by growing demand from holidaymakers.
The Sharm el-Sheikh region is renowned for its diving and snorkelling, with its coral reefs being among the best in the world. A trip to Ras Mohammed National Park, a short boat ride away, shows the area at its most breathtaking.
There is plenty to explore inland, too. The Sinai Desert is perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure, offering quad biking over golden dunes, riding camels at sunset, or climbing Mount Sinai before dawn to watch the sunrise over the mountains.
Back in town, Naama Bay is the lively heart of Sharm el-Sheikh, packed with restaurants, beach bars and shisha lounges that spill onto the promenade. For something quieter, Nabq Bay offers a slower pace and more space to unwind.
In addition to its exciting flight offers, TUI is also offering all-inclusive holiday packages to the Egyptian resort. A four-night stay at the 4T+ Rixos Sharm El Sheikh starts from £1,237 per person.
Meanwhile, a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the 5T TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea is available from £1,349 per person, which works out at £192.70 per person per night. Both are based on two adults sharing a room, with flights leaving in summer 2026.