Jet2 marked a significant milestone in its ongoing growth and success today by announcing the launch of its award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick (London Gatwick Airport). This is a very significant development for the aviation industry, as it marks the first major arrival of a leisure airline in London Gatwick since 2020, and it signals the largest new airline installation at the airport this century.
The UK’s largest tour operator and the country’s third-largest airline, Jet2, is expanding its operations at the UK’s second-largest airport, offering its award-winning customer service to locals and independent travel agents following years of demand.
Today’s announcement expands Jet2’s presence to 14 airports in the UK and follows a series of successful expansions to other airports in recent years. This means that more travelers and independent agents across London, the M25 and the South East will now have access to Jet2.com’s award-winning flights and ATOL-protected Jet2holidays packages.
In a show of its strong commitment to London Gatwick Airport, Jet2 announces a significant flight schedule for its first summer of operation from the new base, with 29 sun-kissed destinations for travelers to choose from. The first flight from Gatwick will depart for Tenerife on March 26, 2026, right in the Easter holiday period.
The fleet that will serve the program will consist of six aircraft, including five brand-new Airbus A321neo – considered to be among the most efficient and sustainable in their class today. These new aircraft reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat by more than 20%, while offering a 50% lower noise footprint compared to other models.
This investment also represents a significant economic benefit for the region, as it will create over 300 new direct jobs for Jet2 in various fields such as pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, while hundreds of indirect jobs are also expected to be created.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. For many years, our goal was to offer our differentiated, integrated product, which focuses on customer service, from London Gatwick Airport, and we consider this opportunity a once-in-a-generation chance to accelerate our growth from the United Kingdom’s largest leisure airport – whether it’s beach or city destinations.”
“We know very well how much demand there is from travelers and independent agents for our award-winning flights and vacations from Gatwick, and it’s great to be able to announce that we are here and ready to meet their travel needs.”
“We have proven time and time again that when we bring the Jet2 product to new customers, we excite them, and then expand our operations due to this success. We are confident that the introduction of Jet2’s formula at London Gatwick will change the game for travelers, and we look forward to a very successful future from our newest base in the UK.”
Pierre-Hugues, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, opening a new and exciting chapter for the airport and our passengers. The arrival of Jet2 offers even more options and flexibility for travelers throughout southeast England and beyond, reinforcing our vision that Gatwick is the airport for everyone, regardless of travel.”
“It is a particularly significant moment for Jet2 to join Gatwick, immediately after government approval for the regular use of the northern runway, which will enhance connectivity and economic development. We are fully committed to providing exceptional services and look forward to supporting the growth and success of Jet2 here at Gatwick.”
This announcement coincides with the 22-year milestone of Jet2.com flights, which was celebrated earlier this year. Since its inception in February 2003 with just two aircraft and eight destinations, Jet2 has grown to become the third largest airline in the UK, now flying from 14 bases to over 75 sun, leisure and ski destinations.
Jet2holidays, which began in 2007 with an ATOL license to transport 25,000 customers, has become the largest travel agency in the United Kingdom, with a license to transport over seven million customers.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have received numerous awards for their top customer service, earning the recognition “Which? Recommended Provider” for ten consecutive years.
Jet2’s VIP customer service includes convenient flight schedules and a generous 22 kg baggage allowance for only-flight bookings through Jet2.com. Customers also enjoy the same high-level service, combined with 2- to 5-star accommodations, resort service, transportation, free child seats, and full ATOL protection through the package holidays offered by the United Kingdom’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays.
The program
The summer 2026 Jet2 schedule from Gatwick is as follows:
- Fuerteventura – 2 weekly flights (Wednesday & Sunday)
- Gran Canaria – 2 (Wednesday & Sunday)
- Lanzarote – 2 (Tuesday & Saturday)
- Tenerife – 3 (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
- Ibiza – 2 (Monday & Friday)
- Majorca – 10 (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday & 2 x Sunday)
- Minorca – 3 (Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday)
- Alicante – 5 (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
- Ziroona – 3 (Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday)
- Malaga – 4 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)
- Rheous – 3 (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
- Lighthouse (Algarve) – 10 (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, 2 x Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday & Sunday)
- Attalia – 3 (Monday, Friday & Saturday)
- Corfu – 2 (Monday & Friday)
- Crete (Heraklion) – 2 (Tuesdays & Fridays)
- Kalamata – 1 (Wednesday)
- Kefalonia – 2 (Monday & Friday)
- Kos – 2 (Monday & Thursday)
- Chalkidiki – 2 (Thursday & Sunday)
- Preveza – 2 (Wednesday & Saturday)
- Rhodes – 2 (Tuesday & Friday)
- Skiathos – 1 (Tuesday)
- Zakynthos – 1 (Wednesday)
- Malta – 2 (Thursday & Sunday)
- Naples – 2 (Monday & Friday)
- Verona – 1 (Wednesday)
- Paphos (Cyprus) – 2 (Monday & Thursday)
- Pula (Croatia) – 1 (Saturday)
- Burgas (Bulgaria) – 2 (Wednesday & Saturday)
