Jet2 to open base at Gatwick

[pug1]

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.

I agree, after having used easyjet holidays once, albeit about 9 years ago, I had a dreadful experience arriving at the destination airport and trying to find the transfer that I’d paid for. I accept I’m biased but every time I take a jet2 holiday you’re met by the red team at resort and there’s no confusion as to where my transfer is or whether there is going to be someone to help with anything when I get there. There may be questions asked as the investors start looking at the books, and they’re famously only interested in the bottom line knowing the cost of everything and value of nothing, but long may the investment into the excellent customer service continue!

For this reason I think Gatwick passengers are going to love the product.

 

[cactustwirly]

I agree, after having used easyjet holidays once, albeit about 9 years ago, I had a dreadful experience arriving at the destination airport and trying to find the transfer that I’d paid for. I accept I’m biased but every time I take a jet2 holiday you’re met by the red team at resort and there’s no confusion as to where my transfer is or whether there is going to be someone to help with anything when I get there. There may be questions asked as the investors start looking at the books, and they’re famously only interested in the bottom line knowing the cost of everything and value of nothing, but long may the investment into the excellent customer service continue!

For this reason I think Gatwick passengers are going to love the product.

They already have TUI, who have considerably more flights, who also offer this too

 

[westv]

They already have TUI, who have considerably more flights, who also offer this too

When I've looked recently most of the TUI package flights seem to be via Ryanair or Easyjet.

 

[pug1]

They already have TUI, who have considerably more flights, who also offer this too

TUI are nowhere near as prevalent in terms of people on the ground and customer helpers. This is particularly noticeable at departure airports where TUI sees large checkin queues and Jet2 have invested considerably in the manpower to enable relatively seamless check in. TUI may have considerably more flights from LGW at the moment but Jet2 have overtaken them on ATOL numbers already, so it’s inevitable that they will put the squeeze on them at LGW in a few short years.

For what it’s worth I can see TUIs in-house airline shrinking to non-existence in the next ten years as they move towards purchasing seats on other airlines.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Jet2 offers loads of 4 and 5 star hotels.

Absolutely, and they do them well. I generally stay at hotels at the more premium end of the market these days and Jet2 offer things like private transfers in with the package.

I have a lot of time for Jet2.

TUI are nowhere near as prevalent in terms of people on the ground and customer helpers.

That too. TUI aren’t bad but Jet2 are just better. It’s little things for me, like last time I used TUI the TUI shuttle bus from the resort got me back to the airport before TUI even opened their check in.

There may be questions asked as the investors start looking at the books, and they’re famously only interested in the bottom line knowing the cost of everything and value of nothing, but long may the investment into the excellent customer service continue!

Most of Jet2’s staff are directly employed, and that really shows at the airport. I’d be surprised if it costs them more overall compared to hiring in Menzies or Swissport.

 

[pug1]

Absolutely, and they do them well. I generally stay at hotels at the more premium end of the market these days and Jet2 offer things like private transfers in with the package.

I have a lot of time for Jet2.


That too. TUI aren’t bad but Jet2 are just better. It’s little things for me, like last time I used TUI the TUI shuttle bus from the resort got me back to the airport before TUI even opened their check in.


Most of Jet2’s staff are directly employed, and that really shows at the airport. I’d be surprised if it costs them more overall compared to hiring in Menzies or Swissport.

Jet2 staff are directly employed in the U.K., and the in resort customer helpers are also employed directly. In some overseas airports it gets a bit tricky where the ground crew may be dressed in a jet2 uniform but are actually employed by a local ground handler (although it can be a mix of Jet2 employees too). It is a significant cost, and probably more so than using a third party due to the level of staffing, but the cost in my view offers value that wouldn’t be afforded by doing an easyjet..

 

[mpthomson]

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

As far as bucket and spade destinations are concerned J2 is predominantly a package holiday business, and they’d much rather sell you one of those as opposed to a flight only, hence high flight prices. Different market to Ryanair and EasyJet (although the latter also do holidays).

 

[YorkshireBear]

As far as bucket and spade destinations are concerned J2 is predominantly a package holiday business, and they’d much rather sell you one of those as opposed to a flight only, hence high flight prices. Different market to Ryanair and EasyJet (although the latter also do holidays).

This is definitely true. Their flight only prices are very high, with packages much more reasonable. We once did a Jet2 city break to Krakow and the package with 4 star hotel and breakfast was £50 more than the flights (£25 each for my and my wife). Similar story with Cyprus this year.

Although I got a one way Manchester to Innsbruck with Jet2 for March 2026 for £39pp, couldn't believe my eyes, didn't know Jet2 knew how to charge less than £200 for a flight.

Best of luck to them at Gatwick, just hope they haven't overstretched themselves.

 

[AlastairFraser]

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.

Gatwick has the planned expansion in place which will relieve the current congestion in part

 

[Snow1964]

Best of luck to them at Gatwick, just hope they haven't overstretched themselves.

They have gradually opened more UK bases every 2 or 3 years (roughly working southwards), and seem to have been ok so far. They are getting closer to original operations base of Channel Express from Bournemouth.

In the summer they ordered more planes (36 more A321) taking total A321 ordered to 146, although these are spread over many years.

Currently have 126 planes (although about dozen are parked, but winter timetable is less). Apart from 7 old Boeing 737-300 (which will probably be gone within a year), all their planes are largish capacity, the 93 737-800 seat 189 and the new A321neo seat 232.

To best of my knowledge these planes are too big and heavy when full (and with fuel load) to operate from some of the shorter runway airports around the Mediterranean area, so will probably never serve some of the more obscure holiday destinations.

 

[pug1]

They have gradually opened more UK bases every 2 or 3 years (roughly working southwards), and seem to have been ok so far. They are getting closer to original operations base of Channel Express from Bournemouth.

In the summer they ordered more planes (36 more A321) taking total A321 ordered to 146, although these are spread over many years.

Currently have 126 planes (although about dozen are parked, but winter timetable is less). Apart from 7 old Boeing 737-300 (which will probably be gone within a year), all their planes are largish capacity, the 93 737-800 seat 189 and the new A321neo seat 232.

To best of my knowledge these planes are too big and heavy when full (and with fuel load) to operate from some of the shorter runway airports around the Mediterranean area, so will probably never serve some of the more obscure holiday destinations.

They almost never operate at MTOW, so shouldn’t be a problem sending them into the weird and wonderful Greek Islands.

 

[william.martin]

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

The other aircraft shall be a 737-800 operating in a W pattern (I.E LBA-AGP-LGW-AGP-LBA) is a random example (not confirmed), though it's almost certain they'll use Leeds.
To give a bit of context, following my near on 2 year absence from this forum, planes have become my new thing. I am starting PPL (private pilot liscense) lessons in the 3rd quarter of next year, and during my absence from this forum, I have come to know a few real world commercial pilots both over the Internet and in person, hence how I have obtained the above information.
Yours Faithfully- Will.

 

[ExRes]

Gatwick has the planned expansion in place which will relieve the current congestion in part

May relieve current congestion unless the expansion plans are overturned

 

[pug1]

The other aircraft shall be a 737-800 operating in a W pattern (I.E LBA-AGP-LGW-AGP-LBA) is a random example (not confirmed), though it's almost certain they'll use Leeds.
To give a bit of context, following my near on 2 year absence from this forum, planes have become my new thing. I am starting PPL (private pilot liscense) lessons in the 3rd quarter of next year, and during my absence from this forum, I have come to know a few real world commercial pilots both over the Internet and in person, hence how I have obtained the above information.
Yours Faithfully- Will.

Just as a correction, the 6th aircraft will be a FAO based ACMI operator as things stand, no plans to run w patterns like the LTN base this year.

Welcome to the club by the way, I hope the training progresses well.

 

[FinsburyPark]

Jet 2 have been operating at LGW since December. How come?

If you go to Gatwick arrivals and departures you will see some Jet 2 flights listed?

 

[pug1]

Jet 2 have been operating at LGW since December. How come?

If you go to Gatwick arrivals and departures you will see some Jet 2 flights listed?

Been doing it for years on behalf of some specialist tour operators. It’s not a jet2 operation per-se, it’s a charter operation and a good way of utilising aircraft and crew during the otherwise very quiet winter season.

 

[thejuggler]

They are charter flights for the cruise lines.