Published: 12 November 2025
By Rupert the Reindeer, AppSavvyTraveller Editorial Team
Jet2 Marks a Major Expansion into London Gatwick
Jet2 has announced a major milestone in its ongoing growth story — the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick Airport, set to begin in March 2026. The move makes Jet2 the first major leisure airline to establish a base at Gatwick since 2020, and the largest new airline arrival at the airport this century.
The expansion means the UK’s largest tour operator and third-largest airline will soon offer its award-winning service from London’s second-busiest airport, bringing more choice to travellers across Greater London and the South East.
A Strategic Step for Jet2’s National Network
This launch brings Jet2’s total UK airport bases to 14, following a series of successful regional expansions. From Gatwick, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will initially operate six aircraft, including five brand-new Airbus A321neo jets — currently among the most fuel-efficient and low-noise aircraft in their class.
The first flight, bound for Tenerife on 26 March 2026, is perfectly timed for the Easter getaway. From there, Jet2’s summer programme will offer 29 destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, including Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, Malta, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Why This Matters to Travellers
For holidaymakers in London and the South East, the arrival of Jet2 at Gatwick means easier access to the airline’s award-winning flight experience and ATOL-protected Jet2holidays packages. Independent travel agents will also benefit from expanded capacity and new routes at one of the UK’s busiest leisure airports.
Jet2 has earned its reputation through a service-led approach: friendly flight times, a generous 22kg baggage allowance, and consistently high ratings in Which? travel surveys. The brand’s growing presence at Gatwick is expected to shake up the UK leisure flight market, challenging existing carriers with its value-driven, customer-first model.
Investment and Job Creation
The Gatwick base represents a significant regional investment, expected to create over 300 direct jobs in flight deck, cabin crew, engineering, and ground operations. Jet2’s arrival will also generate hundreds of indirect roles in the wider travel supply chain, boosting the airport’s post-pandemic recovery and local economy.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, described the move as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to accelerate growth from one of the UK’s most important aviation hubs. He noted that demand from travellers and agents in the South East had been strong for years — and that Jet2’s entry will finally meet that need.
Industry Response from London Gatwick
Pierre-Hugues, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, called Jet2’s arrival “an exciting new chapter” for the airport and its passengers. He highlighted how the airline’s service-oriented approach aligns with Gatwick’s long-term goal of becoming “the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.”
The timing also coincides with the UK government’s recent approval for routine use of Gatwick’s Northern Runway, a move expected to further increase capacity and connectivity. The addition of Jet2’s new base complements this strategy by widening travel options and supporting regional tourism growth.
The App Connection: Jet2holidays App
Travellers can manage bookings, check-in online, and access travel documents through the Jet2holidays app, which supports both flight-only and package bookings. The app also provides real-time updates, resort information and 24/7 customer support — key for holidaymakers seeking smoother, tech-enabled travel.
Jet2’s Expanding Reach
Since its first flight in 2003 with just two aircraft and eight destinations, Jet2.com has grown into a network of 75+ leisure, sun and ski destinations across Europe. Its tour arm, Jet2holidays, launched in 2007, now carries over seven million passengers annually.
Both divisions have consistently received top marks for customer satisfaction, including ten consecutive years as a Which? Recommended Provider. Their emphasis on value, reliability and transparent pricing has made Jet2 a trusted choice for families and independent travellers alike.
What This Means for Travellers
The new base will make package holidays from Gatwick more accessible and affordable, while offering direct flights to top beach and city destinations. The introduction of the A321neo fleet also underlines Jet2’s commitment to sustainability, cutting CO₂ emissions per seat by more than 20% and halving noise compared to older models.
For travellers, it means a cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable experience — whether heading to the Canary Islands, Greek Islands, or southern Europe’s most popular coastlines.
Last Updated
Last Updated: 12 November 2025
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