Summer 2027 might feel like a distant mirage, but the airlines are already pulling back the curtain on their plans. Ryanair and easyJet have together unveiled 47 new routes for the season, and tickets are on sale now. If you like to lock in your holidays early, this is your cue to start dreaming.

Ryanair is leading the charge with 29 fresh routes, part of what the carrier calls a "bumper" summer schedule. The airline will operate over 2,500 routes to 230 destinations, serving its 214 million annual passengers across Europe. Dara Brady, Ryanair's CMO, says these are just the first of many additions, with more to be announced as the network expands. For travelers, that means more chances to snag a bargain, especially if you book through the Ryanair app or website before fares climb.

EasyJet is focusing its energy on Spain, launching six new routes from the UK, including its first-ever flights to Girona. That's a handy gateway to Barcelona and the Costa Brava, without the airport crowds. The airline is also doubling down on Scotland, where it already holds the title of largest carrier. Six new routes from Aberdeen and Edinburgh will open up more connections, which is welcome news if you're planning a Scottish escape as Europe's heatwaves push travelers north.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK Country Manager, emphasized the airline's commitment to giving customers more choice from their local airport. With 18 new routes and package holidays on the slate, easyJet is clearly betting on early demand. And it's not just the budget carriers getting in on the action. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Azerbaijan Airlines are also planning to add direct flights to and from Europe for summer 2027, so the competition for your seat is heating up.

For now, the focus is on getting ahead of the curve. Book early to secure the lowest fares, as Ryanair's CMO advises. The winter season hasn't even started, but the summer 2027 sales are already taking off. If you wait too long, those introductory prices will vanish.

One thing to keep in mind: new routes often come with promotional deals, but they also mean more travelers heading to the same spots. If you're flexible with dates and destinations, you can stretch your budget further. And with Spain getting so much attention, it might be worth exploring less obvious corners, like Girona's medieval old town or the rugged coastline nearby.

If you're curious about how these new routes fit into the bigger picture of European travel, check out our analysis of Europe's wildest summer yet. And if you're worried about flight delays or cancellations, our guide to summer travel chaos might help you prepare.

So, where will you go in 2027? With 47 new routes on the table, the possibilities are expanding. Whether you're chasing sun in Spain, exploring Scotland's highlands, or venturing further afield, now's the time to start planning. The early bird gets the cheap seat, after all.