Jet2 has announced plans to operate flights and holidays from London Gatwick starting in March 2026, marking a significant expansion of its UK operations and a major challenge to rival tour operators.

The company has confirmed that 29 destinations will be served from the airport next summer. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays already operate from Stansted and have recently added services from Luton and Bournemouth, but this will be their first time offering flights from Gatwick. According to Jet2, this launch makes the company the first major leisure airline to base operations at Gatwick since 2020, and the largest new based airline at the airport this century.

First Flights Begin March 2026

The first departure from Gatwick is scheduled to fly to Tenerife on 26 March 2026, coinciding with the Easter holiday period. A fleet of six aircraft will be based at Gatwick, including five new Airbus A321neos, with the move expected to create over 300 jobs initially.

Why Jet2 Is Expanding to Gatwick

In a statement, Jet2 described London Gatwick as a key part of its long-term growth plans, calling the expansion a valuable opportunity that arose earlier than expected.

Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2, said:

“For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick… We know all too well how much demand there is amongst customers and independent travel agents… We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers.”

He added that the new base will allow Jet2 to accelerate growth from what he described as the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport. The airline expects the Gatwick operation to move into profitability in FY29.

Support from Gatwick Airport

Airport CEO Pierre-Hugues expressed support for the move, highlighting increased choice for passengers and future growth potential following government approval for routine use of Gatwick’s northern runway. He said the partnership will strengthen connectivity and deliver “exceptional service” for travellers.

Where Jet2 Will Fly from Gatwick

The programme includes routes across Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearics, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. Scheduled destinations for summer 2026 include:

  • Tenerife — three weekly flights (Tue, Thu, Sat)
  • Lanzarote — two weekly (Tue, Sat)
  • Gran Canaria — two weekly (Wed, Sun)
  • Fuerteventura — two weekly (Wed, Sun)
  • Ibiza — two weekly (Mon, Fri)
  • Majorca — ten weekly
  • Menorca — three weekly (Tue, Thu, Sun)
  • Alicante — five weekly
  • Malaga — four weekly
  • Faro (Algarve) — ten weekly
  • Antalya — three weekly (Mon, Fri, Sat)
  • Rhodes — two weekly (Tue, Fri)
  • Kos — two weekly (Mon, Thu)
  • Corfu — two weekly (Mon, Fri)
  • Crete (Heraklion) — two weekly (Tue, Fri)
  • Kalamata — weekly (Wed)
  • Kefalonia — two weekly (Mon, Fri)
  • Skiathos — weekly (Tue)
  • Zante — weekly (Wed)
  • Naples — two weekly (Mon, Fri)
  • Verona — weekly (Wed)
  • Malta — two weekly (Thu, Sun)
  • Paphos — two weekly (Mon, Thu)
  • Pula — weekly (Sat)
  • Bourgas (Bulgaria) — two weekly (Wed, Sat)

This expansion is designed to provide both city and beach holiday options to a wide range of Mediterranean and European destinations.