London Gatwick Enhances Asia Flight Network with New Services to China

Friday, February 16, 2024

Starting 1 June, Air China will introduce daily flights connecting London Gatwick with Beijing Capital Airport using A330-300 planes. Following this, on 20 June, China Southern will commence a service operating three times a week to Guangzhou using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

This expansion increases London Gatwick’s weekly flights to China to 26, supplementing existing routes to Shanghai (operated by China Eastern and Air China) and Zhengzhou (by China Southern). Alongside services from Air India, Emirates, Saudia, Qatar Airways, the newly introduced Singapore Airlines flights, and Azerbaijan Airlines’ journeys to Baku, Gatwick will see a total of 85 flights per week to Asia this summer.

The addition of these flights is expected to enhance both passenger travel and trade opportunities at regional and national levels. In 2023, UK exports to China rose to £37.5 billion, marking an 11.9% increase from the previous year.

These services will also stimulate the local tourism sector, with Chinese tourists in 2019 spending an average of £1,937 per visit and contributing a total of £1.71 billion, as reported by Visit Britain.

Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick said: “These new services to China are fantastic news for both passengers and businesses across London and the South East, providing greater opportunities for tourism and trade.  

“Having welcomed both Air China and China Southern to the airport last year, the additional routes highlight the carriers’ commitment to growth at London Gatwick. Alongside China Eastern, we are delighted to continue growing these positive relationships with China’s three largest airlines.

“We can’t wait for these new services to take off and we look forward to developing our long-haul offer from London Gatwick across key markets like Asia.” 

In anticipation of future growth, London Gatwick is investing in its development, including a proposal for regular use of its Northern Runway, which has been approved for thorough review by the Planning Inspectorate. This sustainable plan aims to enhance airport resilience, minimize delays, and significantly benefit the national and regional economies through support for trade, tourism, and job creation.

« Back to Page

• Air China initiates first Beijing-New York flight post agreement

• Report: Exploring key themes in 2024 travel and tourism technology and macro trends

• Major airlines hope for rising passenger number in China market

• Milan sees the potential in Asian market

• Air China flight evacuated after engine fire sends smoke into cabin