Jet2 to Launch Flights from London Gatwick Airport for First Time Starting in 2026
Jet2 has announced the start of its operations at London Gatwick Airport, marking a milestone in its growth trajectory. This move represents the first arrival of a major leisure airline at the airport since 2020, making it also the largest new airline based at Gatwick so far this century.
With this expansion, Jet2 adds a 14th airport base in the United Kingdom, consolidating its national presence and responding to sustained demand from customers and independent travel agencies in London and the Southeast of England.
Inaugural Offer: 29 Destinations from March 2026
The first flight from London Gatwick is scheduled for March 26, 2026, bound for Tenerife, coinciding with the Easter holiday period. For its inaugural summer season, Jet2 has put on sale a robust program including 29 sun destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
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Among the available routes are options to mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. This offering will be operated by a fleet of six aircraft, including five state-of-the-art Airbus A321neos, recognized for their energy efficiency and sustainability. These aircraft allow for a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat by over 20%, in addition to offering a noise footprint that is 50% lower compared to other models.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Jet2’s arrival at London Gatwick implies a significant investment in the region, with the initial creation of over 300 direct jobs in areas such as cabin crew, pilots, engineering, and ground operations. This is in addition to hundreds of indirect positions that will strengthen the local airport ecosystem.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, highlighted: “This announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. For years we have had the ambition to offer our differentiated product from London Gatwick, and we see it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest airport for beach and city destinations.”
This announcement coincides with the recent government approval for the routine use of the airport’s Northern Runway, which will allow for expanded connectivity and foster economic growth in the region.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.