EasyJet is set to launch its new direct service from Southampton to Paris Charles de Gaulle from 25 October 2026.
The route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.
EasyJet already operates service from Southampton to Paris Orly, but adding Charles de Gaulle Airport provides more flexibility, with more flight days and easier access to long-haul international flight connections without travelling all the way to Gatwick or Heathrow.
For any Islanders planning to use the new easyJet Paris service, or any other flights from Southampton, the trip will start with a Solent crossing.
Getting from the Isle of Wight to Southampton Airport
The most convenient route option will largely depend on the method of travel (foot passenger vs. vehicle) and the location on the island.
Red Jet from Cowes
Ferry: Under 30 minutes
Total travel time: 1 hour
- Foot passengers land at the T2 Southampton terminal.
- Reach Southampton Central via the free QuayConnect Bus.
- Take the train to Southampton Airport Parkway.
Red Funnel from East Cowes
Ferry: 1 hour
Total travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Transports passengers and vehicles.
- Drive to the airport or park and continue by public transport (15 minutes).
Wightlink from Ryde
Ferry: 22 minutes
Total travel time: 1.5 hours
- Runs to Portsmouth Harbour.
- The railway station is beside the ferry terminal.
- Trains to Southampton Airport run approximately every 20-30 minutes during peak times.
Important: Add a solid time buffer. Fog, strong winds, and other winter conditions can quickly disrupt Solent crossings. Check for updates, like on the Red Funnel live update page. The airline isn’t responsible if a late or cancelled ferry causes a missed flight.
What if the Paris flight is delayed?
Passengers delayed after reaching Southampton Airport may have additional rights under UK flight compensation rules. According to AirAdvisor’s Air Data, in the first six months of 2026, 6.29% of Southampton Airport departures were delayed by 60+ minutes, and 0.62% were delayed by 180+ minutes.
Joanna Teljeur of AirAdvisor explains in its guide to flight delay compensation that passengers may be entitled to compensation when they arrive at least three hours late, and the disruption was within the airline’s control.
As Paris is well within 1,500km of Southampton:
- A qualifying delay on the outbound flight could mean £220 per passenger under UK rules.
- On the return journey from Paris, EU rules apply, with compensation of €250 per passenger for a qualifying delay.
Not every disruption equals compensation. Extraordinary circumstances, which are events outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, generally don’t qualify.
Southampton Airport’s winter destinations
Paris isn’t the only European destination available directly from Southampton this winter.
Flights to and from Geneva are specifically operated in the winter by easyJet. Majorca is also available throughout the winter with easyJet on Mondays and Thursdays.
Islanders can also fly directly to these destinations over the winter, among others:
- Amsterdam (KLM and easyJet; daily)
- Barcelona (easyJet; Mondays and Fridays)
- Belfast (Aer Lingus and British Airways; daily)
- Dublin (Aer Lingus and British Airways; daily)
- Faro (easyJet; Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Newcastle (Loganair and British Airways; daily)
What the new route means for Islanders
The new Charles de Gaulle service gives Isle of Wight residents another option for reaching Paris and connecting to international flights without first travelling to one of the major London airports.
However, flying from Southampton still requires Islanders to factor the Solent crossing into their journey.
Passengers travelling this winter should check both ferry and flight status before leaving the Island and allow additional time for weather or other disruption to ferry services.
