Jet2 takes off with first flights from Gatwick

Jet2 makes its debut departures from Gatwick today (Thursday) ahead of the Easter holiday period.

The airline and sister tour operator will serve destinations across mainland Spain, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. 

The first flight from Gatwick departed to Tenerife at 9.55am this morning. 

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

A fleet of six aircraft, including new Airbus A321neos, will initially be deployed from the London airport – a long-established base for rival easyJet.

The group expects the Gatwick operation – its 14th UK airport base - to move into profit in the 2029 financial year.

The plans, first unveiled four months ago, build on expansion which has seen departures added from Luton and Bournemouth alongside an established base at Stansted.

Jet2 will serve 29 destinations in its first season from Gatwick and put summer 2027 flights and holidays on sale last month with 27% increased capacity covering 35 beach and city locations.