Wizz Air is to start serving Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Gatwick next year.
Daily flights will start on March 31 using the budget airline’s first long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
One-way fares on the seven-hour flight start at £134.99.
The extended reach and efficiency of the aircraft will enable the airline to offer direct access to “distant destinations” at significantly lower fares, according to Wizz Air.
Another A321XLR will be based in Italy, operating daily flights between Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi, starting from June 2, 2025.
Chief executive Jozsef Varadi said: “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class. Its enhanced range capability allows Wizz Air to connect the farthest destinations in its network, while also providing opportunities for further expansion, connecting more cultures, economies and continents.
“We are excited to offer unbeatable fares to our customers on the new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah. Since establishing our base at London Gatwick in 2020, we have demonstrated ambitious growth, making it a natural, strategic decision to operate our first Airbus A321XLR from this airport.”
Since the opening of the airline’s second UK base at Gatwick in October 2020, Wizz Air has continued to expand its presence at the airport. The airline has five Airbus A321neos based at Gatwick and operates flights to 26 destinations in 17 countries and employs 259 staff.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “We’re delighted that Wizz Air has decided to operate its first A321XLR based in the UK from London Gatwick.
“Wizz Air has grown consistently since opening its base here in 2020. This new type of aircraft will allow us to provide a wider range of routes and increase our capacity, offering our passengers even more travel opportunities.
“The development will play an important role in the further growth in our intercontinental network, as we look to offer more choice for passengers and work towards our vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.”