Whether you’re jetting off for a holiday or a business trip, direct flights are undoubtedly the most convenient way to fly.
Getting from A to B without extra stops helps you skip the stress and hidden costs of lengthy layovers, so you can squeeze every minute out of your trip.
Most people think that enduring a marathon of connecting flights is the price you pay to get to a really exciting destination — but thanks to expanded long-haul flight routes from London airports, that’s no longer the case!
Looking for your next far-flung adventure but can’t face a drawn-out journey? Check out this OnTrailVisa guide to exotic escapes you can make direct from London.
Non-stop getaways from London
As a global hub for international travel, London has more airports than any other European city. Locals are spoiled for choice, with hundreds of exciting destinations now in easy reach via convenient direct flight routes.
From budget-friendly fares to luxury carriers, there’s a ticket to suit your schedule and your wallet, wherever you’re headed.
-
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The UK’s busiest airport, with around 650 daily flight departures
-
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
More than 15 million people live within 1 hour or less of LGW by road or rail
-
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Offers more European destinations than any other UK airport
-
London Luton Airport (LTN)
Has hubs for top budget airlines EasyJet and Wizz Air
-
London City Airport (LCY)
Known for business travel and quick transfers to central London
-
London Southend Airport (SEN)
Ranked as top London airport several times
Fast-track to faraway places
Thousands of direct flights set off daily from London’s airports to distant destinations that used to seem out of reach.
That means there’s no need to squander precious time off on long-haul stopovers, and no excuse for not booking that trip to your faraway dream destination. Whatever your travel style, your perfect escape is just a direct flight away.
In fact, the UK’s top 3 most popular long-haul direct flights all set off from Heathrow Airport:
- New York, USA: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — flight time of 7h 50m, around 70 direct flights per week. UK travellers require an ESTA authorisation.
- Singapore: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — flight time of 13h, around 40 direct flights per week. UK travellers must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) electronically within three days before arrival.
- Dubai, UAE: Dubai International Airport (DXB) — flight time of 7h, around 80 flights per week. A visa is issued on arrival for UK travellers.
Non-stop routes to far-flung adventures
Ready to travel beyond the ordinary? From shopping in downtown Seoul, South Korea, to catching a tango show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you’re just one stop away with a direct long-haul flight from London.
Even a trip Down Under is in reach, thanks to non-stop flights from Heathrow Airport. Direct flights to Australia from London cover the 9,009 mile journey in 16 hours and 45 minutes. It's one of the longest commercial flight routes in the world!
If the luxury resorts of The White Lotus have left you feeling inspired, get ahead of the crowds and visit Thailand, where the cast will visit in the much anticipated third series for 2025. Direct flights to Bangkok from London take you right to the action.
Or take a trip to the City of Angels and relive the magic of La La Land. Direct flights to Los Angeles from London put you just moments away from key filming locations, like Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard, and the jazz bars that inspired the Oscar-winning musical.
One stop, endless possibilities
Wondering where to fly from London non-stop? Across 2025, the biggest flight carriers are releasing expanded schedules to exciting new travel hot spots, as well as familiar favourites.
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, there’s never been more destinations to choose from. From unmissable events around the globe, to must-see places, here’s our pick of the top direct flight tickets from London.
Adventure awaits in the Canadian outdoors
Expanded direct flights from Heathrow Airport starting Spring 2025
- Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
There’s something special to do in every season in Canada’s breathtaking natural spaces.
Fly direct to Ottawa and visit Gatineau Park to hike through wildflower-lined trails in spring, or soak up the fall atmosphere while leaf peeping in autumn. Calabogie Peaks Resort is the perfect spot for summer golfing, or snowy winter skiing with picture-perfect views.
If Niagara Falls is on your bucket list, take a direct flight to Toronto — it’s one of the largest airports in the area. Top off your trip with a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-lake to celebrate finally checking this iconic destination off your list.
Visitors from the UK may need to apply for an eTA before entering Canada.
Go stateside for the best sports and sounds
Expanded direct flights from Heathrow Airport starting Summer 2025
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Texas
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Pennsylvania
Get a direct flight across the pond to experience top-tier music and sports events. No matter your passion, the United States live entertainment scene has something for everyone.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Don’t miss the NASCAR racing event at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in October 2025.
Or opt for a relaxed pace at the 2025 US Golf Open. This year’s venue — Oakmont Country Club — is one of the oldest and most respected courses in the United States, making it a must-visit for golf lovers.
There’s also plenty on offer stateside for music lovers too. Rod Stewart, Madonna, and Lionel Richie have all confirmed their 2025 Las Vegas residencies.
And with previous headliners like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and The Strokes, the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas is another hot ticket for October 2025.
Remember to apply for an ESTA before flying to the US.
Experience the magic of Morocco’s mountains
Direct flights now expanded to 4 times weekly from London Gatwick Airport
- Agadir Al-Massira International Airport (AGA)
Get acquainted with historic Berber culture in the scenic Atlas Mountains with a trip to Agadir, Morocco.
Located in the foothills of the mountain range, the city is the perfect place to taste authentic dishes and pick up handcrafted leather and ceramic souvenirs, without the hustle and bustle found in tourist hotspots like Marrakesh.
If you’re a fan of water sports, don’t miss the nearby seaside village of Taghazout. It’s renowned for its world-class surfing and is also a hub for traditional Gnawa music.
UK citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.
Discover the heart of Africa’s heritage
Direct flights now available from Heathrow Airport
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city, Addis, known as the cultural and diplomatic hub of Africa.
Don’t miss the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you can come face to face with Lucy, one of the world’s oldest hominid skeletons. For a peaceful escape from the hubbub, visit Mount Entoto for panoramic views of Addis.
Coffee lovers won’t want to miss the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Involving a communal ritual of roasting, brewing, and serving coffee, it’s the perfect experience to top off an unforgettable trip.
UK travellers need an e-Visa to enter Ethiopia
Latest direct flight routes from London airports
Still searching for your perfect destination? The travel forecast for 2025 shows plenty of faraway destinations trending for UK travellers.
Here’s a rundown of the newest direct flight routes to be added to London’s airports. With plenty of exciting tickets now live, there’s nothing stopping you from booking your next escape.
| Destination | Direct flight duration | Available from | Entry requirements for UK passport holders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kigali, Rwanda Kigali International Airport (KGL) | 8 hours and 30 minutes | Heathrow Airport with RwandAir, from May 2024 | ✅ Visa on arrival |
| Cayo Coco, Cuba Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC) | 10 hours and 15 minutes | London Gatwick Airport with Euroairlines, from May 2024 | ✅ Tourist Card — apply in advance |
| Doha, Qatar Hamad International Airport (DOH) | 6 hours and 45 minutes | Heathrow Airport with Qatar Airways, from October 2024 | ✅ Visa on arrival |
| Bangkok, Thailand Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | 11 hours and 30 minutes | Heathrow Airport with British Airways, from October 2024 | ✅Immigration Card — complete on arrival |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) | 12 hours and 40 minutes | Heathrow Airport with British Airways, from November 2024 | ✅ Arrival Card — apply in advance |
| Ivalo, Finland (for Lapland) Ivalo Airport (IVL) |
3 hours and 30 minutes | London Gatwick Airport with British Airways, from December 2024 | ✅ETIAS — pending requirement from 2025 |
| Swedish mountains (for skiing) Scandinavian Mountains Airport (SCR) | 2 hours and 30 minutes | London Gatwick Airport with SAS, from February 2025 | ✅ETIAS — pending requirement from 2025 |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) | 6 hours 30 minutes | London Gatwick Airport with Wizz Air, from March 2025 | ✅ Electronic Visa Waiver — apply in advance |
How to secure the perfect direct flight
The beauty of booking a direct flight is the convenience. With no stopovers or transfers to organise, you can reserve a ticket for a streamlined journey straight to your destination.
Here are some top tips to help you find the best direct flight for your next trip:
- Book early for the best fares — Direct flights are in high demand, so make your reservation as early as possible. That way, you’ll lock in the best prices before they rise closer to your travel date.
- Choose the right airline — Different carriers offer various levels of comfort and amenities. Read up on what’s included in your fare, like meals or entertainment options, to find the best experience.
- Pick travel times that best fit your schedule — Travelling at a convenient time is the key to getting your trip off to the right start, especially if you’re flying long-haul with kids. Choose flights that fit with your sleep schedule.
- Check all available routes — Make sure to explore all available direct routes before booking. Sometimes flying from a nearby airport or choosing a less common route can offer better prices or timing options.
Got everything you need to travel? OnTrailVisa makes it easy to get travel authorisations or visas for UK citizens. Check out our travel and entry requirement guides for the most popular destinations.