East Midlands Gets a New Flight to Austria’s Ski Slopes
A new direct flight between East Midlands Airport and Innsbruck will give skiers in central England another way to reach Austria’s Tyrol region for winter 2027/28. Crystal Ski Holidays is adding the TUI Airways service to its package programme, opening access to resorts including Mayrhofen and Obergurgl. It removes the need to start the holiday with a drive to a larger UK airport.
When Can Midlands Skiers Fly to Innsbruck?
- Route: East Midlands (EMA)–Innsbruck (INN), Austria.
- Airline: TUI Airways, sold by Crystal Ski Holidays.
- Launch: 20 December 2027.
- Frequency: Weekly.
- Season: Until 4 March 2028.
- Package: Flights, accommodation, resort transfers and in-resort support.
- Resorts: Mayrhofen, Sölden, Obergurgl and Seefeld.
- Booking: Crystal Ski Holidays or participating travel agents.
- Flight times: Not specified in the airport announcement.
- Who benefits: Midlands-based skiers avoiding journeys to larger departure airports.
East Midlands Airport has yet to publish flight times or a fixed departure day, so use Crystal’s booking calendar for individual dates. Packages include flights, accommodation and transfers; lift passes, equipment hire and lessons cost extra unless stated otherwise. Ski or snowboard carriage costs £60 per set in advance or £70 at the airport, with a 15kg limit. Boots count towards the standard baggage allowance.
Seefeld is approximately 45 minutes by transfer from Innsbruck, making it convenient for beginners and cross-country skiers. Sölden is around 1 hour 25 minutes away, with extensive high-altitude runs. Both Mayrhofen and Obergurgl take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes; Mayrhofen offers varied pistes, while Obergurgl sits at higher altitude. These are Crystal’s estimated transfers, not guaranteed journey times during winter weather.
The new flight saves Midlands skiers a journey to another UK airport, but the resort transfer can add another hour before the coach even leaves Innsbruck. TUI Airways packages include 20kg of checked baggage and 10kg of hand luggage; ski equipment is separate. Crystal also requires travel insurance covering winter sports, including the activities and altitudes booked. Compare complete package costs before choosing a resort.