Jet2 to open base at Gatwick

[leedslad82]

https://www.jet2.com/news/2025/11/Jet2_announces_launch_of_flights_and_holidays_from_London_Gatwick?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Recruitment&utm_term=Job%2012%2F11&utm_content=news%20Gatwick

I see jet2 are launching at Gatwick from March with 6 aircraft based there. Good range of destinations and the benefit of being able to connect off the train network too

"
Jet2 has today marked a major milestone in its continued growth and success story, by announcing the launch of award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick. A significant announcement for the aviation industry, this is the first major leisure airline arrival into London Gatwick since 2020 and marks the largest new based airline at London Gatwick this century.

The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline are expanding operations to the UK’s second largest airport, bringing their award-winning customer service to the region’s customers and independent travel agents after years of demand.

Today’s announcement expands Jet2’s footprint to 14 UK airport bases and comes on the back of numerous successful UK airport base launches in recent years. It means that more holidaymakers and independent travel agents across London, Greater London and the South East of England can enjoy award-winning Jet2.com flights and ATOL protected package Jet2holidays.

In a demonstration of its commitment to London Gatwick, Jet2 has put a significant programme on sale for its first Summer of operations from the airport, with 29 sunshine destinations to choose from (see notes to editors for full details). The first flight from London Gatwick will depart to Tenerife on 26th March 2026, perfectly timed for the Easter holidays.

A fleet of six aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. This includes five based brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, recognised as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft in its class today, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and providing a 50% lower noise footprint when compared to other aircraft.

The announcement also represents a significant investment for the region, with over 300 jobs to be created initially with Jet2 directly, across roles including flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations. On top of that, Jet2’s arrival will create hundreds of indirect jobs too.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2: “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.”

“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 London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs.”

"Time and time again, we have proven that when we bring the Jet2 product to new customers, we delight them, and we subsequently expand our operations on the back of that popularity. We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”

Pierre-Hugues, Chief Executive, 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. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and we look forward to supporting Jet2's growth and success here at London Gatwick.” 

Today’s announcement comes after Jet2.com marked over 22 years of flying earlier this year. Since launching with just two aircraft and eight destinations in February 2003, the airline has expanded to become the UK’s third largest airline flying from 14 UK airport bases to over 75 sun, leisure city and ski destinations. Jet2holidays launched in 2007 with an ATOL licence to carry 25,000 customers and has since expanded to become the UK’s largest tour operator with a licence to carry over seven million customers.

The companies are repeatedly praised for providing industry-leading customer service, earning Which? Recommended Provider status for the past ten years running. The Jet2 VIP customer service includes friendly flight times and a generous 22kg baggage allowance through a flight-only booking with Jet2.com. Customers also get that very same VIP customer service along with 2-5 star accommodation, in-resort Customer Helpers, transfers, free child places and ATOL protection through a package holiday booked with the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays."

 

[Snow1964]

The new Gatwick base includes 5 brand new A321s

Not yet clear if this means somewhere else is getting a cut, as it refers to 6 aircraft at launch (so presumably at least one is coming from elsewhere)

Jet2’s Summer 26 Programme from London Gatwick:

• Fuerteventura – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Gran Canaria – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Lanzarote – two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday)
• Tenerife – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
• Ibiza – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Majorca – 10 weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and 2 x Sunday)
• Menorca – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Alicante – five weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Girona – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Malaga – four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)
• Reus – three weekly services (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Faro (The Algarve) – ten weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, 2x Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday and Sunday)
• Antalya – three weekly services (Monday, Friday and Saturday)
• Corfu – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Crete (Heraklion) – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Kalamata – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Kefalonia – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Kos – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Halkidiki – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Preveza – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Rhodes - two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
• Skiathos – one weekly service (Tuesday)
• Zante - one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Malta - two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
• Naples – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
• Verona – one weekly service (Wednesday)
• Paphos (Cyprus) – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
• Pula – one weekly service (Saturday)
• Bourgas (Bulgaria) - two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)

https://www.jet2.com/news/2025/11/Jet2_announces_launch_of_flights_and_holidays_from_London_Gatwick

 

[westv]

The new Gatwick base includes 5 brand new A321s

I've not flown on one yet, but I read multiple complaints about how uncomfortable the seats are on those.

 

[leedslad82]

The new Gatwick base includes 5 brand new A321s

Not yet clear if this means somewhere else is getting a cut, as it refers to 6 aircraft at launch (so presumably at least one is coming from elsewhere)

https://www.jet2.com/news/2025/11/Jet2_announces_launch_of_flights_and_holidays_from_London_Gatwick

Just seen a press conference video and 6th aircraft is going to be based in faro

60K views · 463 reactions | Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy on the 'momentous' moment of Gatwick launching at Gatwick in 2026 | Crawley Observer

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy on the 'momentous' moment of Gatwick launching at Gatwick in 2026

www.facebook.com

 

[westcoaster]

Just seen a press conference video and 6th aircraft is going to be based in faro

Might fly a W route, the same as some Luton flights.

A 737 at Luton was doing

Liverpool-Girona-Luton-Girona-Liverpool

 

[pug1]

Might fly a W route, the same as some Luton flights.

A 737 at Luton was doing

Liverpool-Girona-Luton-Girona-Liverpool

Yes will be a w pattern, Brexit has made it tricky to base G-reg aircraft overseas now unfortunately.

 

[westcoaster]

Yes will be a w pattern, Brexit has made it tricky to base G-reg aircraft overseas now unfortunately.

Whilst not based abroard, Jet2 used to have an aircraft and crew available in Tenerife for most of the day. (Almost as a spare aircraft to mop up issues).

 

[bluenoxid]

It will be interesting to see the reaction of EasyJet to this news.

 

[thejuggler]

I've not flown on one yet, but I read multiple complaints about how uncomfortable the seats are on those.

No different to the 737s. 3 hours maximum for me.

 

[FinsburyPark]

Yes will be a w pattern, Brexit has made it tricky to base G-reg aircraft overseas now unfortunately.

Since the CAA is no longer a member of EASA, I'd imagine its difficuly, if not impossible to base a G reg aircraft in the EU. Also aviation cabotage rules no longer apply post Brexit.

This is where an aircraft can be based in on country, Malta (example) but can be used on a route from Croatia to Denmark if the Airline so wished.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of EasyJet to this news.

This could go either way. EasyJet is absolutely huge at Gatwick and Jet 2 might struggle to compete in the long term.

This is why Ryanair have a relatively small presence in Gatwick despite often being cheaper and also why EasyJets presence in Stansted is a lot less than it used to be.

When there is a dominant player in town, its hard for another airline to build capacity and to retain that capacity over a sustained period of time.

Unless Jet 2 wish to enter into a price war with EasyJet on bucket and spade routes, which has its disadvantages, Jet 2 might find it difficult tp sustain in the long term.

 

[pug1]

Since the CAA is no longer a member of EASA, I'd imagine its difficuly, if not impossible to base a G reg aircraft in the EU. Also aviation cabotage rules no longer apply post Brexit.

This is where an aircraft can be based in on country, Malta (example) but can be used on a route from Croatia to Denmark if the Airline so wished.

This could go either way. EasyJet is absolutely huge at Gatwick and Jet 2 might struggle to compete in the long term.

This is why Ryanair have a relatively small presence in Gatwick despite often being cheaper and also why EasyJets presence in Stansted is a lot less than it used to be.

When there is a dominant player in town, its hard for another airline to build capacity and to retain that capacity over a sustained period of time.

Unless Jet 2 wish to enter into a price war with EasyJet on bucket and spade routes, which has its disadvantages, Jet 2 might find it difficult tp sustain in the long term.

It’s tricky from a crewing perspective, because they’d need to have rotational crewing rather than local crewing, unless there are sufficient numbers of pilots able to live and work in the EU with a UK CAA issued licence. Pre-Brexit there were bases at Alicante and Tenerife, not to fly passenger routes all that much, more to build redundancy into the system in case of tech issues down route which could lead to significant delays. They used to pick up stranded passengers and deliver them to their destination thus avoiding EU261 claims and gaining a loyal following amongst their customer base.

Cabotage would prevent a G-Reg aircraft flying on a revenue service between two destinations within the EU. EU to U.K. on a G-Reg is permitted. Similarly Ryanair had to start RUK to enable them to fly inter-UK flights, but they only have a small number of U.K. registered aircraft. Most pilots wanting to work for Ryanair in the U.K. must now go to the significant expense of a acquiring dual licences.. Another one if those ‘benefits’.

 

[Bantamzen]

I've not flown on one yet, but I read multiple complaints about how uncomfortable the seats are on those.

I flew on one last year to Faro. The seat pitches are certainly a bit tighter than other 321 configs, maybe slightly smaller than the 737-800s they operate, but the seats themselves seem to be exactly the same. I didn't feel too uncomfortable for that flight, perhaps one over 3-4 hours might have been more so.

 

[cactustwirly]

Since the CAA is no longer a member of EASA, I'd imagine its difficuly, if not impossible to base a G reg aircraft in the EU. Also aviation cabotage rules no longer apply post Brexit.

This is where an aircraft can be based in on country, Malta (example) but can be used on a route from Croatia to Denmark if the Airline so wished.

This could go either way. EasyJet is absolutely huge at Gatwick and Jet 2 might struggle to compete in the long term.

This is why Ryanair have a relatively small presence in Gatwick despite often being cheaper and also why EasyJets presence in Stansted is a lot less than it used to be.

When there is a dominant player in town, its hard for another airline to build capacity and to retain that capacity over a sustained period of time.

Unless Jet 2 wish to enter into a price war with EasyJet on bucket and spade routes, which has its disadvantages, Jet 2 might find it difficult tp sustain in the long term.

You also have a stronger profitable BA also, competing on all of those bucket and spade routes.

It's difficult to see how Jet2 can compete with easyJet on price, and BA on service and package holidays

 

[Snow1964]

You also have a stronger profitable BA also, competing on all of those bucket and spade routes.

It's difficult to see how Jet2 can compete with easyJet on price, and BA on service and package holidays

Price is not a factor in whole market, it is not hard in the summer to find BA flights where business class is sold out.

Suggests part of the bucket and brigade is not prepared to slum it, tight against next person, and spoil the relaxation of a holiday with naff travel either end.

 

[cactustwirly]

Price is not a factor in whole market, it is not hard in the summer to find BA flights where business class is sold out.

Suggests part of the bucket and brigade is not prepared to slum it, tight against next person, and spoil the relaxation of a holiday with naff travel either end.

But Jet2 offer no USP, easyJet have the competitive price and tbf BA in economy is a very similar price to easyJet.
BA have the premium offering, service, comfortable seats and package holiday business
Plus you have an extensive TUI presence too

Jet2 have a poor frequency and often have very high fares, I just find it difficult to understand how they are going to compete

 

[gabrielhj07]

But Jet2 offer no USP

Point of order; their bacon sandwiches are much better that easyJet’s!

 

[ABB125]

But Jet2 offer no USP

They do (for me at least): all tickets include a full size cabin bag (as well as the small underseat item). I appreciate that for Jet2's core market of package holidays this is less important since those passengers are likely to want hold luggage, but if I'm flying somewhere at the start of a 2 week Interrail trip the "free" cabin bag is very welcome and puts Jet2 at the top of the list. I've found that they can easily be cheaper than Ryanair/easyJet once you add bag fees...

 

[philosopher]

This could go either way. EasyJet is absolutely huge at Gatwick and Jet 2 might struggle to compete in the long term.

This is why Ryanair have a relatively small presence in Gatwick despite often being cheaper and also why EasyJets presence in Stansted is a lot less than it used to be.

When there is a dominant player in town, its hard for another airline to build capacity and to retain that capacity over a sustained period of time.

Unless Jet 2 wish to enter into a price war with EasyJet on bucket and spade routes, which has its disadvantages, Jet 2 might find it difficult tp sustain in the long term.

Jet2 are extremely focused on bucket and spade routes, whereas EasyJet routes are more mixed in terms of market orientation. So I suspect both Jet2 and EasyJet would be able to coexist at Gatwick, although if Jet2 do very well, EasyJet may shift to focusing on less bucket and spade oriented routes from Gatwick.

I think TUI airlines would have to the most to worry about Jet2 at Gatwick as they both are targeting the same market.

 

[LucyP]

Don't worry about the seats. The constant, irritating, pre-recorded announcements will cause you more pain than the seats. Noise cancelling headphones are essential for Jet2. Make sure your luggage doesn't weigh a gram more than the 22KG allowance. Hard to book a flight only with them as they just want to sell holidays.

 

[cactustwirly]

They do (for me at least): all tickets include a full size cabin bag (as well as the small underseat item). I appreciate that for Jet2's core market of package holidays this is less important since those passengers are likely to want hold luggage, but if I'm flying somewhere at the start of a 2 week Interrail trip the "free" cabin bag is very welcome and puts Jet2 at the top of the list. I've found that they can easily be cheaper than Ryanair/easyJet once you add bag fees...

So do BA, they are often cheaper than Jet2 from Stansted and can give keen deals on package holidays

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Nov 2025 ==

Jet2 are extremely focused on bucket and spade routes, whereas EasyJet routes are more mixed in terms of market orientation. So I suspect both Jet2 and EasyJet would be able to coexist at Gatwick, although if Jet2 do very well, EasyJet may shift to focusing on less bucket and spade oriented routes from Gatwick.

I think TUI airlines would have to the most to worry about Jet2 at Gatwick as they both are targeting the same market.

So are BA, they overhauled their Gatwick business by focusing on profitable bucket and spade destinations

They have turned a decent profit for the first time in a number of years since setting up Euroflyer

 

[pug1]

I flew on one last year to Faro. The seat pitches are certainly a bit tighter than other 321 configs, maybe slightly smaller than the 737-800s they operate, but the seats themselves seem to be exactly the same. I didn't feel too uncomfortable for that flight, perhaps one over 3-4 hours might have been more so.

They are replacing the seats. There have been willing participants using them as office chairs at various locations for testing purposes!

 

[Cheshire Rover]

I've not flown on one yet, but I read multiple complaints about how uncomfortable the seats are on those.

It's true. I was wriggling about after an hour. Their 737's are fine.

 

[westv]

Jet2 are extremely focused on bucket and spade routes, whereas EasyJet routes are more mixed in terms of market orientation. So I suspect both Jet2 and EasyJet would be able to coexist at Gatwick, although if Jet2 do very well, EasyJet may shift to focusing on less bucket and spade oriented routes from Gatwick.

I think TUI airlines would have to the most to worry about Jet2 at Gatwick as they both are targeting the same market.

Isn't a bit more nuanced than that? A number of "bucket and spade" routes are also city breaks - Alicante, Malaga, Palma etc plus a number of other cities that aren't considered "bucket and spade"

 

[Tetchytyke]

I've not flown on one yet, but I read multiple complaints about how uncomfortable the seats are on those.

They're no worse than EasyJet's version of the same aircraft.

They are horrible, when I flew one back from Lanzarote I'd have climbed over my own mother to be off the plane first. But they're no different on EasyJet or Wizz.

It's difficult to see how Jet2 can compete with easyJet on price, and BA on service and package holidays

Jet2 Holidays compete well on price with EasyJet Holidays from their other airports. There's usually not much difference between Jet2 Holidays and EasyJet Holidays from Liverpool and Manchester (this would make sense- the bulk of the cost of a package holiday is the hotel not the airfare) but Jet2 Holidays give you a better standard of service when you are in resort.

Neither EasyJet nor BA offer the same level of package holiday. They both offer packages but it's a lot more like flight+hotel with EasyJet and BA than with Jet2, who really do offer more of a traditional package holiday (on-site reps, etc).

I'd say TUI have more to fear from Jet2 Holidays moving into Gatwick.

 

[cactustwirly]

They're no worse than EasyJet's version of the same aircraft.

They are horrible, when I flew one back from Lanzarote I'd have climbed over my own mother to be off the plane first. But they're no different on EasyJet or Wizz.

Jet2 Holidays compete well on price with EasyJet Holidays from their other airports. There's usually not much difference between Jet2 Holidays and EasyJet Holidays from Liverpool and Manchester (this would make sense- the bulk of the cost of a package holiday is the hotel not the airfare) but Jet2 Holidays give you a better standard of service when you are in resort.

Neither EasyJet nor BA offer the same level of package holiday. They both offer packages but it's a lot more like flight+hotel with EasyJet and BA than with Jet2, who really do offer more of a traditional package holiday (on-site reps, etc).

I'd say TUI have more to fear from Jet2 Holidays moving into Gatwick.

I found Jet2 almost twice the price of BA holidays
I know the business model is different, BA offering more premium hotels like 4 and 5 stars

 

[Tetchytyke]

I found Jet2 almost twice the price of BA holidays
I know the business model is different, BA offering more premium hotels like 4 and 5 stars

I'm genuinely surprised at that but will no doubt depend on the exact route, hotel, etc. BA can often be surprisingly competitive on price even in more traditional resorts.

BA tend to be good at the 5-star hotel in Ibiza I've been to for several years. BA are (were) slightly more expensive than Jet2 but the through-ticketing from IOM made up for it. But I've never seen that big a difference.

 

[FinsburyPark]

Also a question no one has asked.

How will Gatwick cope.

Flying from Gatwick in the peak can lead to delays in getting airborne as its congested.

Either other airlines have dropped routes or capacity on routes or it will place a higher capacity burden on an airport thats already highly congested in peak season due to being a single runway airport that many estimate is Britians busiest single runway operation airport.

On the whole, it copes, but then again cope os the operative word.

I am a Sussex resident and a frequent user of the airport so know first hand what its like.

 

[westv]

I found Jet2 almost twice the price of BA holidays
I know the business model is different, BA offering more premium hotels like 4 and 5 stars

Jet2 offers loads of 4 and 5 star hotels.

 

[pitdiver]

We have used jet2 once this year but twice last year. All from East Midlands have always found their service at the destination airport is far superior to easyJet's
Can confirm that Jet2 holidays do offer. 4 and 5 star hotels. We are staying in a 4 star next May and 4 star plus next Sept both in Fuerventura via Jet2 from EMA.

 

[westv]

We have used jet2 once this year but twice last year. All from East Midlands have always found their service at the destination airport is far superior to easyJet's
Can confirm that Jet2 holidays do offer. 4 and 5 star hotels. We are staying in a 4 star next May and 4 star plus next Sept both in Fuerventura via Jet2 from EMA.

Indeed. A quick search for 3/5/26 from LBA shows 1.322 4 star and 827 5 star.