Jet2 to Launch First Ever Flights from London Gatwick in 2026: 29 New ‘Sunshine’ Routes to Top European Destinations

Published on November 12, 2025

Jet2 is set to enter the highly competitive London Gatwick Airport market in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the airline. The Leeds-based airline will offer 29 new routes, primarily to popular sunshine destinations in Spain, Greece, Portugal, and more. With the move, Jet2 aims to expand its UK operations and directly compete with industry giants such as easyJet, British Airways, and TUI at the country’s second busiest airport.

The introduction of Jet2 flights from Gatwick is poised to bring affordable travel options to more passengers, especially those seeking budget-friendly holidays to iconic European beach destinations. Starting with flights to Tenerife on March 26, 2026, the airline plans to operate from Terminal 2 at Gatwick with five new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Jet2’s Ambitious Expansion at Gatwick Airport

This expansion is part of Jet2’s strategic push to broaden its reach in London, the UK’s largest travel market. With Gatwick being the third busiest airport in the UK and a hub for budget airlines, Jet2’s entry into the market represents a bold move to increase its share of the UK holiday and business travel sectors.

Jet2’s CEO, Steve Heapy, expressed excitement over the airline’s new venture, emphasizing that Gatwick represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for growth. The airline’s focus on providing a differentiated, service-led product offering aligns with its customer-first approach, aimed at offering an end-to-end travel experience.

New Routes and Key Destinations from Gatwick in 2026

With the launch of Jet2 flights at Gatwick, the airline will offer a wide array of holiday destinations across Europe. Some of the most popular routes include:

• Tenerife: 3 weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• Fuerteventura: 2 weekly services (Wednesday, Sunday)
• Gran Canaria: 2 weekly services (Wednesday, Sunday)
• Lanzarote: 2 weekly services (Tuesday, Saturday)
• Ibiza: 2 weekly services (Monday, Friday)
• Majorca: 10 weekly services, with frequent departures across the week
• Menorca: 3 weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday)
• Alicante: 5 weekly services
• Faro (The Algarve): 10 weekly services
• Antalya (Turkey): 3 weekly services
• Corfu (Greece): 2 weekly services
• Crete (Heraklion): 2 weekly services (Tuesday, Friday)
• Naples (Italy): 2 weekly services (Monday, Friday)
• Paphos (Cyprus): 2 weekly services (Monday, Thursday)

These new routes will significantly enhance the travel options available from Gatwick, offering budget-friendly alternatives for both business travelers and holidaymakers looking to explore southern Europe.

Quick Tip for Tourists:

• Book early to secure affordable fares on popular routes such as Tenerife, Ibiza, and Faro.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Competitive Market

Jet2’s expansion to Gatwick brings a fresh wave of competition to a market already dominated by EasyJet, TUI, and British Airways. These major players currently operate extensive networks at Gatwick, which has seen continuous growth in recent years. However, Jet2’s entry could disrupt the established dynamics, with the potential for lower fares and more flexible flight schedules.

For business travelers, Jet2 offers an alternative to the traditional full-service airlines, with its budget-friendly options making short-haul flights to European destinations more accessible. Additionally, Jet2holidays, the company’s dedicated holiday arm, could attract tourists looking for package deals that include flights, accommodation, and transfers.

Quick Tip for Business Travelers:

• Monitor flight deals on Jet2’s website as their budget packages offer more affordable options for corporate trips to European cities.

What This Means for Travelers: Increased Choice and Flexibility

The launch of Jet2 flights from London Gatwick means more choices for travelers, particularly in southern England, where Gatwick serves as the gateway to Europe. The availability of 29 new routes will provide greater flexibility for travelers who prefer flying to beach destinations in Spain, Portugal, and Greece without breaking the bank.

Additionally, Jet2’s new services will increase competition at Gatwick, potentially leading to lower prices and improved flight times for tourists and business travelers alike. The airline’s service-focused approach and extensive network could make it the go-to option for those seeking value for money on European holidays.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Jet2 Flight from Gatwick

1. Visit the Jet2 Website: Check out the official Jet2 website for a list of available routes and departure times from Gatwick in 2026.
2. Choose Your Destination: Select from 29 new routes to popular holiday destinations such as Tenerife, Ibiza, and Faro.
3. Book Early: To secure the best fares, especially during peak travel periods, book your flight as soon as possible.
4. Consider Jet2holidays: If you’re planning a holiday, look at Jet2holidays for package deals that include flights, accommodation, and transfers.
5. Travel Smart: Use the Jet2 mobile app for real-time updates, boarding passes, and check-in information to streamline your airport experience.

Looking Ahead: Jet2’s Future at Gatwick and the Impact on the UK Travel Market

Jet2’s new presence at Gatwick is a promising development for the UK’s aviation sector, giving travelers more options and competition. The airline’s focus on affordable holiday flights and budget-friendly options for business travel is likely to drive down prices and increase travel options.

With Jet2’s aggressive expansion strategy, Gatwick is set to become an even more significant hub for both leisure and business travelers in the coming years. As Jet2 continues to grow, the airline’s presence will likely continue to shake up the UK’s aviation market, benefiting consumers with better prices and improved services.

Key Takeaways:

• Jet2 will start flying from London Gatwick in March 2026, with 29 new routes to popular sunny destinations in Europe.
• The new flights offer more choices and affordable options for both business and leisure travelers.
• Gatwick’s competition will increase with Jet2’s entry, leading to lower fares and better services for consumers.
• Jet2holidays offers affordable holiday packages that include flights and accommodation.

Quick Tips for Travelers:

• Book flights early for the best deals on popular summer routes.
• Explore Jet2holidays for holiday packages that include everything from flights to transfers.
• Check the Jet2 website regularly for special offers on flights and holiday deals.

Jet2’s expansion to Gatwick is poised to benefit travelers, offering more affordable flights to European destinations while challenging the dominance of established airlines. With a strong focus on service and affordable travel, Jet2 continues to solidify its position as a top choice for UK travelers.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated and Does Not Represent The Real Property