San Sebastián, the coastal gem of Spain’s Basque Country, is capturing fresh attention among British travelers thanks to a newly announced direct flight connection from Scotland. British Airways’ CityFlyer subsidiary will launch a seasonal Glasgow–San Sebastián service in summer 2026, making it easier than ever to reach this city known for its golden beaches, world-class gastronomy, and charming Old Town. The added accessibility is already fueling interest: tourism watchers predict a jump in bookings from the UK and beyond as travelers incorporate San Sebastián into their 2026 holiday plans.

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New Direct Flights from Scotland to Basque Country

BA CityFlyer’s new route will operate twice weekly (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) between July 18 and September 8, 2026, offering Scottish holidaymakers a convenient link to northern Spain. The flights will depart Glasgow and land at San Sebastián’s airport (EAS), eliminating the need for connections via larger hubs. This service complements existing CityFlyer routes to San Sebastián from London City and Edinburgh, further improving access for UK travelers. One-way fares start at roughly £113 from Glasgow, with tickets on sale now.

BA CityFlyer executives expect strong demand for the new route. “This new route will provide even greater options and flexibility for those planning summer holidays in 2026, and we are confident that it will be popular with our customers,” said Ian Romanis, Managing Director of BA CityFlyer.

Glasgow Airport representatives echoed that enthusiasm, noting that the San Sebastián flight “offers our passengers more choice when planning their holidays” and delivers “a convenient and high-quality travel option for Scottish holidaymakers”. The route launch in 2026 follows British Airways’ broader strategy of expanding leisure connections from Scotland – including a newly added Glasgow–Palma de Mallorca service – to meet growing demand for diverse summer destinations.

Beaches, Cuisine, and Old-World Charm in San Sebastián

A panoramic view of San Sebastián’s La Concha Bay, famed for its crescent-shaped beach and scenic beauty. San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) has long enticed visitors with a unique blend of natural beauty and rich culture.

The city is world-renowned for its beaches, including the iconic Playa de la Concha – often cited among Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches – and for its vibrant culinary scene, boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world.

In the historic Parte Vieja (Old Town), travelers can wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with pintxo bars, sampling Basque tapas in lively tavernas and admiring elegant architecture that reflects the city’s heritage. This mix of golden sands, gourmet delights, and Old-World charm makes San Sebastián a stylish yet relaxed summer escape, and the new direct flights mean UK visitors can experience it with unprecedented ease.

Increased air connectivity often boosts travel demand quickly, and industry experts see San Sebastián as no exception. When previously hard-to-reach destinations become easier to visit, a surge of interest typically follows – a pattern observed wherever new direct routes open up.

For instance, travel analysts note that restoring direct flights can “drive a noticeable rise in … travel demand” almost immediately as more seats and routes become available. By the same token, giving Scotland a nonstop link to San Sebastián is expected to unlock new pent-up demand among British travelers drawn to this Basque city’s allure.

For vacationers, the benefit is clear: greater accessibility to a stylish but less-touristed European getaway. San Sebastián offers an alternative to the continent’s crowded hotspots – a coastal city with high-end dining and cultural authenticity, but without the overtourism of, say, Barcelona or the Costa del Sol. The ease of a direct flight means UK travelers craving something different can swap complex itineraries for a convenient journey straight to the Basque shore.

Travel industry watchers are also taking note. Moves like BA CityFlyer’s route expansion often signal shifting holiday patterns, as airlines respond to emerging traveler interests. In fact, new route announcements are seen as “indicators of where global travel interests are heading” , reflecting a growing appetite for destinations off the usual trail.

San Sebastián’s addition to the flight map suggests that demand is rising for unique regional cities known for quality of life and culture. Tourism officials are likely to welcome this trend: more direct flights typically mean an influx of visitor spending on local hotels, restaurants, and attractions, bolstering the city’s economy.

The Glasgow–San Sebastián connection exemplifies how improved connectivity can rapidly elevate a destination’s profile. What was once a somewhat secluded Basque paradise for in-the-know travelers is poised to become a reachable summer hotspot for a broader UK audience.

If history is any guide, this new flight route will not only benefit Scots eager for a new beach-and-food adventure, but will also provide a real-time case study for tourism industry observers watching how accessibility can reshape European travel itineraries.

FAQ

Q1. When do the new Glasgow–San Sebastián flights start?
The BA CityFlyer route operates seasonally from 18 July to 8 September 2026.

Q2. How often will the flights run?
Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Q3. Which airline operates the route?
British Airways’ regional subsidiary BA CityFlyer.

Q4. How much do tickets cost?
One-way fares start at around £113, though prices may vary.

Q5. Which UK airports currently fly direct to San Sebastián?
London City and Edinburgh, with Glasgow joining in summer 2026.

Q6. Why is San Sebastián popular with travelers?
It is known for La Concha Bay, world-class gastronomy, pintxo bars, and a charming Old Town.

Q7. Will the new flights increase tourism?
Yes. Direct flights typically boost demand, and travel observers expect interest to rise significantly.

Q8. How long is the flight from Glasgow to San Sebastián?
Around 2.5 hours, depending on winds and routing.

Q9. Why are airlines adding more routes to regional European cities?
Travelers increasingly seek authentic, culturally rich destinations that are less crowded than major hubs.

Q10. What makes San Sebastián a good alternative to busier Spanish hotspots?
It combines beaches, fine dining, culture, and a calmer atmosphere compared to places like Barcelona.