The aviation landscape in the UK is set to become even more competitive as Jet2 announces its plans to begin scheduled flights from London Gatwick Airport in March 2026. This strategic move aims to capitalize on newly available capacity at the airport.
Jet2 Expands Operations at Gatwick Airport
Leeds-based Jet2 has acquired slots for six Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline plans to connect travelers to popular holiday destinations, including:
- Spain (including the Balearics and Canary Islands)
- Faro, Portugal
- Verona and Naples, Italy
- Ten destinations in Greece
- Antalya, Turkey
- Paphos, Cyprus
- Pula, Croatia
- Burgas, Bulgaria
- Malta
Jet2’s Chief Executive, Steve Heapy, emphasized that this initiative represents a significant opportunity for growth from one of the UK’s largest leisure destinations. He stated, “Our differentiated, service-led, end-to-end product offering is set to flourish at Gatwick.”
Intense Competition at Gatwick
The arrival of Jet2 at Gatwick will intensify competition among major airlines. EasyJet is currently the dominant player at Gatwick, with over 70 aircraft based there. British Airways also maintains a strong presence, operating 26 short-haul aircraft.
Tui, the UK’s second-largest holiday company, and Wizz Air, known for its European routes, further contribute to the competitive landscape. Aviation analyst Sean Moulton noted that Jet2 has experienced rapid growth since Thomas Cook’s closure in 2019, adding bases in multiple UK cities.
Impact on Consumer Experience
The ongoing competition is expected to yield positive outcomes for consumers, including reduced ticket prices and improved flight schedules. However, Jet2 has warned investors that profitability at Gatwick may not be realized until the 2029 financial year. Heapy remarked on the investment and time required to establish holiday operations and services effectively.
The Future of Gatwick Aviation
The newly allocated slots at Gatwick are a result of adjustments to runway capacity limits at the airport, recognized as the busiest single-runway airport globally. Future plans include utilizing an additional standby runway for holiday flight departures, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
As Jet2 prepares to embark on this new chapter, established players like British Airways and easyJet may find themselves navigating a more challenging market. The infusion of new services from Jet2 will offer consumers greater choices and potentially lower fares as the airlines vie for their business.
