Jet2, the UK’s third-largest airline and its biggest tour operator, is making a bold entrance into the competitive landscape of London Gatwick Airport, announcing on 12 November 2025 the launch of its newest base at the country’s second-busiest airport. This marks Jet2’s 14th UK base and is being heralded as the largest new airline base launch at Gatwick this century, according to statements from both Jet2 and airport officials. The move is set to shake up the leisure travel market in the South East and has already generated significant buzz within the aviation industry.
The airline’s maiden flight from Gatwick is scheduled for 26 March 2026, departing for Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It’s a strategic choice, tapping into the enduring popularity of Mediterranean and European destinations among British holidaymakers. In total, Jet2 will offer flights to 29 “sunshine destinations” from Gatwick, including hotspots in Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta. The launch comes at a particularly pointed moment, coinciding with rival easyJet’s 30th birthday—an unmistakable signal that Jet2 is ready to challenge the dominance of established players at Gatwick, where easyJet currently accounts for 44% of passenger traffic, as reported by FlightGlobal.
Jet2’s expansion is made possible by securing slots for six aircraft at Gatwick, following the release of additional capacity at the airport. The fleet will consist of five Airbus A321neo planes—Jet2’s most fuel-efficient and highest-capacity single-aisle models, each seating 232 passengers—based at Gatwick, with a sixth aircraft positioned overseas. This substantial deployment underscores Jet2’s intent to make a splash in the market and meet what it describes as significant pent-up demand for its differentiated, service-led, end-to-end holiday product.
Steve Heapy, Jet2’s CEO, was effusive about the significance of the move. “Today’s announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service-led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport,” Heapy said, as quoted by BBC and Sky News. He added, “We know all too well how much demand there is among customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs.”
The scale of Jet2’s Gatwick operation is impressive. The airline’s Summer 2026 schedule includes a robust network of destinations, with multiple weekly services to perennial favourites like Majorca, Faro, Alicante, and Tenerife, as well as less-served spots such as Kalamata, Preveza, Pula, and Bourgas. The move is expected to create over 300 new jobs in the Gatwick region, spanning pilots, cabin crew, engineering, and ground operations, with Jet2 also anticipating hundreds of indirect jobs to be generated as a result of its presence, according to Sky News and BBC.
London Gatwick’s chief executive, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, welcomed Jet2’s arrival, framing it as a milestone for the airport and the wider region. “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey,” Schmit said, as reported by multiple outlets. He also highlighted the recent government approval for routine use of Gatwick’s Northern Runway, which is expected to further expand the airport’s connectivity and support economic growth.
For Jet2, this expansion is the culmination of more than two decades of steady growth. The airline, which began flying just 22 years ago with two aircraft serving eight destinations, now boasts a network spanning over 75 sun, city, and ski destinations across Europe and beyond. Its decision to tackle the South East’s leisure travel market head-on is both a testament to its ambition and a recognition of the region’s enduring appeal for holidaymakers.
The competitive implications are hard to ignore. With easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Wizz Air all maintaining significant operations at Gatwick, Jet2’s arrival is set to intensify rivalry, particularly in the low-cost and leisure segments. Industry observers are watching closely to see how incumbents will respond—whether through fare adjustments, expanded offerings, or enhanced service levels. As Skift pointed out, Jet2’s move is not just about adding capacity; it’s a direct challenge to established players on their home turf, and it comes at a time when the leisure travel market is rebounding from years of pandemic-related disruption.
From a broader perspective, Jet2’s investment in Gatwick reflects a renewed optimism in the UK’s travel sector. The creation of hundreds of jobs and the deployment of fuel-efficient aircraft speak to both economic opportunity and a commitment to sustainability. The airline’s emphasis on service, flexibility, and choice aligns with evolving customer expectations, particularly as travellers seek value and reliability in a crowded market.
Passengers in the South East will soon have more options than ever when planning their next getaway, with Jet2 promising its signature “differentiated, service-led” approach. The company’s track record suggests that it will not be content to merely coexist with its rivals; instead, Jet2 aims to win over customers with a combination of competitive pricing, extensive destination choices, and a focus on the holiday experience from start to finish.
As the first Jet2 flight departs from Gatwick for Tenerife in March 2026, it will mark more than just the launch of a new route. It will signal the arrival of a new player in one of the UK’s most dynamic travel markets, promising increased competition, expanded connectivity, and fresh opportunities for both travellers and the regional economy. The coming months will reveal just how much of a game-changer Jet2’s Gatwick base will be—but if history is any guide, the airline is poised to make a lasting impact.
