Jet2 has today marked a major milestone in its continued growth and success story, by announcing the launch of award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick.

A significant announcement for the aviation industry, this is the first major leisure airline arrival into London Gatwick since 2020 and marks the largest new based airline at London Gatwick this century.

The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline are expanding operations to the UK’s second largest airport, bringing their award-winning customer service to the region’s customers and independent travel agents after years of demand.

Today’s announcement expands Jet2’s footprint to 14 UK airport bases and comes on the back of numerous successful UK airport base launches in recent years. It means that more holidaymakers and independent travel agents across London, Greater London and the South East of England can enjoy award-winning Jet2.com flights and ATOL protected package Jet2holidays.

In a demonstration of its commitment to London Gatwick, Jet2 has put a significant programme on sale for its first Summer of operations from the airport, with 29 sunshine destinations to choose from (see notes to editors for full details). The first flight from London Gatwick will depart to Tenerife on 26th March 2026, perfectly timed for the Easter holidays.

A fleet of six aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

This includes five based brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, recognised as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft in its class today, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and providing a 50% lower noise footprint when compared to other aircraft.

The announcement also represents a significant investment for the region, with over 300 jobs to be created initially with Jet2 directly, across roles including flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations. On top of that, Jet2’s arrival will create hundreds of indirect jobs too.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2: “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.

We know all too well how much demand there is amongst customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs.”

He added: “Time and time again, we have proven that when we bring the Jet2 product to new customers, we delight them, and we subsequently expand our operations on the back of that popularity. We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”

Pierre-Hugues, Chief Executive, London Gatwick, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.

It is an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway, which will further expand connectivity and economic growth. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and we look forward to supporting Jet2’s growth and success here at London Gatwick.”

Today’s announcement comes after Jet2.com marked over 22 years of flying earlier this year. Since launching with just two aircraft and eight destinations in February 2003, the airline has expanded to become the UK’s third largest airline flying from 14 UK airport bases to over 75 sun, leisure city and ski destinations. Jet2holidays launched in 2007 with an ATOL licence to carry 25,000 customers and has since expanded to become the UK’s largest tour operator with a licence to carry over seven million customers.

The companies are repeatedly praised for providing industry-leading customer service, earning Which? Recommended Provider status for the past ten years running. The Jet2 VIP customer service includes friendly flight times and a generous 22kg baggage allowance through a flight-only booking with Jet2.com.

Customers also get that very same VIP customer service along with 2-5 star accommodation, in-resort Customer Helpers, transfers, free child places and ATOL protection through a package holiday booked with the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays.