Major airline to launch England’s longest flight to amazing African destination

EasyJet is set to launch its longest flight from England and it will be to a stunning African island.

The new route will connect London’s Gatwick Airport with Sal in Cape Verde.

The first flight aims to depart on March 31, 2025, and will take almost six hours.

At a distance of 2,332 nautical miles, the route surpasses the airline’s current longest service in England from Manchester to Hurghada in Egypt, which covers 2,240 nautical miles.

It will also be EasyJet’s first venture into sub-Saharan Africa.

Nonetheless, the airline’s longest route across its entire network remains Belfast to Hurghada, at 2,400 nautical miles.

The flights from Gatwick to Sal will be scheduled three times a week and will operate on A320neo aircraft.

EasyJet’s UK country manager, Ali Gayward, said: “We’re proud to be releasing such an incredible range of new routes and package holidays, providing more choice for customers to visit more of the places they love.

“This includes a milestone route for easyJet to beautiful Cape Verde, our first-ever sub-Saharan service.

“Our continued growth and investment in the UK and the connectivity we offer our customers highlights the importance of the market for us, where this year we operated more flights than ever before.”

Sal Island is famous for its year-round warm weather, golden beaches and turquoise waters.

The main resort area called Santa Maria has plenty to offer with shops, restaurants and beachfront bars all within walking distance of local hotels.

Visitors can soak up the sun, snorkel, or enjoy a refreshing drink by the shore, with plenty of space to relax on the beach.

The island also has many attractions beyond the beach, including the salt flats at Pedra de Lume, where visitors can float effortlessly in the salty waters.

What’s more, anyone who loves nature will enjoy the Blue Eye, which is a natural lava rock pool that glows bright turquoise at certain times of the day.

Birdwatching is another highlight, with species like frigatebirds, grey herons and greenshanks frequently spotted across the island.

And for nightlife, a brand new Casino Royal opened recently meaning there is plenty to do after sunset.