In a major expansion of its UK operations, holiday airline Jet2 has confirmed it will begin operating flights and package holidays from London Gatwick Airport in 2026. This strategic move establishes the carrier's 14th UK base, significantly increasing travel options for millions of passengers in the South East.
New Routes and Eco-Friendly Fleet
The inaugural flight is scheduled for March 26, 2026, departing for Tenerife, perfectly timed for the Easter holiday rush. From its new base, Jet2 will deploy a fleet of six aircraft to serve a wide array of popular holiday destinations.
Passengers can look forward to travelling to sun-soaked spots across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands. The network will also extend to Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.
A key feature of this expansion is the commitment to sustainability. The fleet will include five brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft. These planes are recognised as the most fuel-efficient in their class, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20% per seat and reducing the noise footprint by 50% compared to previous generation aircraft.
Substantial Economic Boost and Job Creation
This announcement is more than just new holiday options; it represents a significant economic investment for the region. Jet2 has confirmed that the new base will create over 300 new direct jobs initially.
These roles will span various sectors of the airline's operations, including flight deck crew, cabin crew, engineering, and ground operations. Furthermore, the company anticipates that its arrival at London Gatwick will lead to the creation of hundreds more indirect jobs within the local supply chain and travel industry.
Leadership Hails a "Game-Changer" for Travel
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, expressed his enthusiasm, stating the move fulfils a long-standing ambition. He described London Gatwick as the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport and sees this as a "once in a generation opportunity" for growth.
"We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers," Heapy said, highlighting the proven demand from both customers and independent travel agents for their service-led package holidays from this major airport.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, also welcomed the news. He emphasised that Jet2's arrival strengthens the airport's vision and provides more choice for passengers across the South East. He also noted the exciting timing, following recent government approval for the routine use of the airport's Northern Runway, which is set to further expand connectivity and economic growth.
This development at London Gatwick comes five years after another leisure carrier established a base at the airport, signalling a continued strong recovery and expansion in the package holiday market.
