Key Highlights
- Jet2 is launching flights from London Gatwick Airport to 29 ‘sunshine destinations’ next year.
- The launch will initially offer six jets and 29 “sunshine destinations” including Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and Italy.
- The first flight will depart for Tenerife in Spain on 26 March 2026.
- Five Airbus A321neo planes will be based at Gatwick, with another aircraft positioned overseas.
New Expansion for Jet2: Flights from London Gatwick to Sun-Drenched Destinations
Jet2, the UK’s largest tour operator, has announced a significant expansion of its operations by launching flights from London Gatwick Airport. This move comes after securing slots for six jets following the release of additional capacity at the airport. The new service will provide British holidaymakers with access to 29 ‘sunshine destinations,’ including well-known locations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and Italy.
First Flight Dates and Destinations
The first flight under this new arrangement is set to depart from Gatwick Airport on 26 March 2026, heading for Tenerife in Spain. This initial launch marks the beginning of a comprehensive schedule that will connect Gatwick with various sunny destinations across Europe and beyond.
The specific routes and their weekly services are as follows:
- Alicante – five weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Antalya – three weekly services on Monday, Friday, and Saturday
- Bourgas (Bulgaria) – two weekly services on Wednesday and Saturday
- Corfu – two weekly services on Monday and Friday
- Creta (Heraklion) – two weekly services on Tuesday and Friday
- Faro (The Algarve) – 10 weekly services, with at least one flight daily and two on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Fuerteventura – two weekly services on Wednesday and Sunday
- Girona – three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
- Gran Canaria – two weekly services on Wednesday and Sunday
- Halkidiki – two weekly services on Thursday and Sunday
- Ibiza – two weekly services on Monday and Friday
- Kalamata – one weekly service on Wednesday
- Kefalonia – two weekly services on Monday and Friday
- Kos – two weekly services on Monday and Thursday
- Lanzarote – two weekly services on Tuesday and Saturday
- Majorca – 10 weekly services, with at least one flight daily and two on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Malaga – four weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Malta – two weekly services on Thursday and Sunday
- Menorca – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
- Naples – two weekly services on Monday and Friday
- Paphos (Cyprus) – two weekly services on Monday and Thursday
- Preveza – two weekly services on Wednesday and Saturday
- Pula – one weekly service on Saturday
- Reus – three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Rhodes – two weekly services on Tuesday and Friday
- Skiathos – one weekly service on Tuesday
- Tenerife – three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Verona – one weekly service on Wednesday
- Zante – one weekly service on Wednesday
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The launch of these flights is not only expected to boost the travel industry but also create significant economic benefits. Jet2 plans to base five Airbus A321neo planes at Gatwick, with another aircraft positioned overseas. This move will make Gatwick the 14th UK airport with a Jet2 base and position it as a major hub for package holidays.
According to Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2, “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2.” He further emphasized that this development is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the company. The expansion is anticipated to generate more than 300 new jobs in the region around Gatwick, including roles for pilots, engineers, and cabin crew, as well as hundreds of indirect jobs expected to be created.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The decision to launch these flights comes at a time when London Gatwick Airport is experiencing increased capacity due to recent government approval for routine use of its northern runway. Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick Airport, expressed his enthusiasm about Jet2’s entry into the market, stating that it was “an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick.” He added that this expansion is expected to further enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region.
The launch of these flights by Jet2 represents a significant milestone for both the travel industry and Gatwick Airport. As the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2’s commitment to expanding its operations at Gatwick will likely have far-reaching effects on the local economy and tourism sector as a whole.
