Jet2 to introduce Gatwick flights and holidays 

Jet2 is to start offering flights and holidays from Gatwick in a major challenge to rival operators.

 

The UK’s largest tour operator confirmed that 29 destinations will be served from the airport for next summer.

 

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays already run flights and holidays from Stansted and have added departures from Luton and Bournemouth airports in recent seasons.

 

An announcement on the Jet2 website says: “Our continued success over the years now means we’ve now expanded to 14 UK bases – our first flights from London Gatwick airport will take off in March 2026.”

 

More: Jet2 launches first ski programme from Luton

 

Jet2 trims winter 2025-26 capacity in ‘difficult market’

 

Jet2 reports rise in package holiday customers

 

Jet2 becomes the first major leisure airline arrival into Gatwick since 2020, marking the largest new based airline at the airport this century, according to the company.

 

The first flight from Gatwick will depart to Tenerife on March 26, 2026, timed for the Easter holidays.

 

A fleet of six aircraft will be deployed, including five new Airbus A321neos, with more than 300 jobs to be created initially.

 

The full list of destinations covers mainland Spain, Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. 

 

In a Stock Exchange announcement, the group said: “London Gatwick represents a key component of Jet2’s longer term growth and value creation plan and we are pleased that this valuable opportunity has arisen earlier than management’s original expectations. 

 

"Consequently, to fully capitalise on this development there will be a meaningful step-up in short-term investment to firmly establish Jet2’s operations and market leading customer service at London Gatwick.

 

“In the balance of FY26, the group will incur promotional and resourcing start-up costs ahead of operational launch in March 2026, whilst in FY27 it will substitute three short-term leased (ACMI) aircraft into its existing bases in order to release Airbus A321neos for the London Gatwick operation. 

 

“In FY28 the higher cost ACMI aircraft will be replaced with new, more efficient A321neo aircraft from our pre-existing Airbus delivery stream. 

 

"The group expects the London Gatwick operation to move into profitability in FY29 and to deliver meaningful profit growth thereafter.

 

“Looking further ahead, the agreement also provides Jet2 with a strong strategic foothold to benefit from future expansion at London Gatwick, including the potential introduction of a second runway.”

 

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. 

 

"For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.

 

“We know all too well how much demand there is amongst customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs.”

 

"Time and time again, we have proven that when we bring the Jet2 product to new customers, we delight them, and we subsequently expand our operations on the back of that popularity. We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”

 

Airport chief executive Pierre-Hugues added: “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. 

 

“Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the southeast and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.

 

"It is an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our northern runway, which will further expand connectivity and economic growth. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and we look forward to supporting Jet2’s growth and success here at London Gatwick.” 

Jet2’s summer 2026 programme from Gatwick:

• Fuerteventura – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Gran Canaria – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Lanzarote – two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday)
• Tenerife – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
• Ibiza – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Majorca – 10 weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and 2 x Sunday)
• Menorca – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Alicante – five weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Girona – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Malaga – four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Reus – three weekly services (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Faro (The Algarve) – ten weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, 2x Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and Sunday)
• Antalya – three weekly services (Monday, Friday and Saturday)
• Corfu – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Crete (Heraklion) – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Kalamata – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Kefalonia – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Kos – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Halkidiki – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Preveza – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Rhodes - two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Skiathos – one weekly service (Tuesday)
• Zante - one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Malta - two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Naples – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Verona – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Paphos (Cyprus) – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Pula – one weekly service (Saturday)
• Bourgas (Bulgaria) - two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)