Jet2 Gatwick expansion takes off with 29 new destinations

The Jet2 Gatwick expansion will see Britain’s largest tour operator launch flights and holidays from London Gatwick next spring, adding 29 new destinations across Europe and creating more than 300 new jobs in the South East.

The airline has secured six aircraft slots “following the release of additional capacity” at the airport. Five Airbus A321neo planes will be based at Gatwick, with a sixth operating overseas. Its first flight from Gatwick to Tenerife is set for 26 March 2026.

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy described the announcement as “an incredibly exciting moment” for the company.

“For many years, our ambition has been to offer our service-led, end-to-end holiday experience from London Gatwick,”

he said. “This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest beach and city leisure airport.”

Heapy added that the airline had seen strong demand from travellers and independent agents across the South East who wanted Jet2 flights closer to home. Gatwick will become the company’s 14th UK base.

London Gatwick chief executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit said Jet2’s arrival marks “an exciting new chapter” for the airport. “Jet2 brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond,” he said. “It strengthens our vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.”

Jet2 said its introduction to Gatwick provides “a strong strategic foothold” as the airport prepares to expand following government approval for routine use of its northern runway.

The move is expected to boost employment in the region, with over 300 direct jobs in cabin crew, engineering, and operations, and hundreds more indirect roles in tourism and hospitality.

The airline’s opening schedule features popular summer routes to Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Italy, with frequent services to Majorca, Faro and Tenerife among the highlights.

Travellers can view the full destination list via the Jet2 official destinations page.

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