Hays Travel is already considering opening a shop in Luton after Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced that they would begin operating from the airport in summer 2025.
Dame Irene Hays, the agency’s chair, said the business would always try to support tour operators in their use of regional airports and went on to give an indication of retail expansion plans.
“We will review our priorities around where to open shops as a result of the [Jet2] announcement,” she said.
More: Hays Travel to grow its retail network in 2025
Hays Travel, which currently has about 500 shops, told delegates at this year’s overseas retail conference that more branches would be introduced next year.
In an interview with Travel Weekly, Hays said she would speak to staff based in the area around Luton when she returns from the event in Turkey.
She praised Jet2 for listening to the agency’s appeals for greater support of regional airports and pledged to help the airline make a “huge success” of its Luton operation.
“We ask our tour operators who have airlines to try to service the regions of the UK better. If they do that, we will wholeheartedly support them to be successful,” she added.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will serve 17 destinations from Luton, with the first flight being to Majorca on April 1.