Jet2 is one of eight new airlines that are set to establish routes to and from London Gatwick. The announcement marks the largest new based airline at the airport south of the capital this century, with six aircraft and an exciting network of 29 routes being opened up.

Jet2’s arrival brings a major boost to the region, creating more than 300 direct jobs across flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations, plus hundreds more through the wider supply chain.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: “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.

“It is an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway, which will further expand connectivity and economic growth.”

Jet2 will operate a total of 29 routes throughout the summer season, across Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, said: “We are incredibly excited to be announcing our arrival at London Gatwick, which is a major milestone in our continued success story. 

“We know all too well how much demand there is amongst customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from the UK’s second largest airport, so it is fantastic to be able to tell them that we are here and ready to meet that demand.”

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The eight new airlines mean that 62 will now operate out of the UK’s second biggest airport, marking its broadest network since 2019.

Air Arabia, Air France and Beijing Capital Airlines will be among the new airlines with the airport now set to serve more than 230 destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Jonny Macneal, head of aviation development at London Gatwick, said: “With new airlines joining the airport, new destinations launching, and major frequency increases across our network, passengers will enjoy even more choice for holidays, business trips, and long-haul adventures.

“We’re proud to offer one of the UK’s most comprehensive route networks and we look forward to welcoming even more passengers this summer.”

It comes after the airport announced its full list of new destinations that will be served from the summer.

• Bucharest
• Tenerife
• Paris
• Tetouan
• Cologne
• Sharjah
• Frankfurt
• Aalborg
• Stuttgart
• Ottawa
• Qingdao
• Kuala Lumpur

• Jet2
• AirAsia X
• Condor
• Air Arabia
• Air France
• Eurowings
• Animawings
• Beijing Capital Airlines