Jet2 has unveiled plans to introduce 26 new flights to various sunny destinations across Europe. The budget airline will kick off flights and holiday packages from Gatwick Airport, having secured slots for six aircraft following the release of additional capacity at the airport. Jet2 will base five Airbus A321neo aircraft at Gatwick, with an extra plane stationed abroad. The inaugural flight from Gatwick to Tenerife, Spain, is scheduled for March 26 next year.
Jet2, known for its popular adverts featuring Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand, will expand its flight offerings to numerous sunny destinations in the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Steve Heapy, Jet2’s chief executive, expressed excitement over the announcement, highlighting the company’s ambition to provide top-notch services from London Gatwick. The move to Gatwick marks Jet2’s 14th UK airport base, with plans to operate flights to 29 sunshine destinations in countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and Italy. The airline expects to create over 300 direct job positions in Gatwick, including roles for pilots, cabin crew, engineering, and ground operations, along with several hundred additional indirect employment opportunities.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Gatwick’s chief executive, welcomed Jet2 to the airport, emphasizing the added choice and flexibility for passengers in the South East and beyond. The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Gatwick, following recent government approval for the routine use of the northern runway, promising enhanced connectivity and economic growth. Jet2’s track record as a highly-rated airline in the UK includes accolades such as Best Airline at the Routes Europe Awards in 2025 and winning The Telegraph Travel Awards for Best Short-Haul Airline for three consecutive years. Additionally, Jet2 has been recognized as the Most Reliable UK Airline by AirAdvisor and has maintained a Which? Recommended Provider status for ten years due to its exceptionally low cancellation rates.