Spanish low‑cost carrier Vueling is preparing to launch a brand‑new air link between Edinburgh and the Basque city of Bilbao, giving Scottish travellers an additional budget option for getting to northern Spain. The service will provide a direct city‑to‑city connection aimed at both short breaks and longer holidays in the region.
The new Edinburgh–Bilbao flights are scheduled to begin in spring 2026, timed to catch the start of the busier late‑March travel period. Vueling plans to operate the route twice weekly, offering regular mid‑week and weekend departures to suit leisure passengers.
Vueling is part of the IAG group and is known for its budget fares on routes linking the UK with Spain and wider Europe. Typical Edinburgh–Bilbao itineraries on low‑cost and legacy carriers have recently started from around the £70–£150 return mark, depending on season and stops, placing Vueling firmly in the competitive end of the market.
For Scottish passengers, the direct Edinburgh–Bilbao service reduces the need for connections via London, Paris, Amsterdam or other European hubs when heading to the Basque Country. On arrival, travellers land just a few miles from Bilbao, with frequent buses, taxis and car‑hire options giving easy access to the city’s museums, pintxos bars and coastal resorts.
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Jonny Macneal, head of aviation at Edinburgh Airport said: “Bilbao, like Edinburgh, is a fantastic city filled with culture, history, and a thriving food scene, making this route another excellent addition to our offering.”
The addition of Bilbao strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s short‑haul leisure network and underlines sustained demand for Spanish routes from Scotland. As a twice‑weekly service operated by a recognised budget brand, the route is likely to appeal to value‑conscious city‑breakers as well as Basque visitors exploring Scotland.
