Jet2 has confirmed that it will launch a brand-new operating base at London Gatwick Airport, introducing flights and package holidays to 29 sunshine destinations from March 2026. The airline described the expansion as a major strategic milestone in its Jet2 official announcement
Six aircraft and major job creation
Jet2 says the Gatwick base will open with six aircraft, including five Airbus A321neo jets, which will be permanently stationed at the airport
The new operation is expected to create over 300 jobs across flight crew, engineering, and ground operations.
Where Jet2 will fly from Gatwick
Jet2 will offer flights to 29 holiday destinations when its new London Gatwick base launches in March 2026. According to a roundup published by Yahoo News, here is the complete list with planned weekly frequencies:
Spain – Canary & Balearic Islands + Mainland
- Fuerteventura – 2 weekly (Wed, Sun)
- Gran Canaria – 2 weekly (Wed, Sun)
- Lanzarote – 2 weekly (Tue, Sat)
- Tenerife – 3 weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat)
- Ibiza – 2 weekly (Mon, Fri)
- Majorca – 10 weekly (Mon, 2×Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, 2×Sat, 2×Sun)
- Menorca – 3 weekly (Tue, Thu, Sun)
- Alicante – 5 weekly (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Girona – 2 weekly (Thu, Sun)
- Malaga – 4 weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun)
- Reus – 3 weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri)
Portugal
- Faro (Algarve) – 10 weekly (Mon, 2×Tue, Wed, 2×Thu, Fri, 2×Sat, Sun)
Turkey
- Antalya – 3 weekly (Mon, Fri, Sat)
Greece
- Corfu – 2 weekly (Mon, Fri)
- Crete (Heraklion) – 2 weekly (Tue, Fri)
- Kalamata – 1 weekly (Wed)
- Kefalonia – 2 weekly (Mon, Fri)
- Kos – 2 weekly (Mon, Thu)
- Halkidiki – 2 weekly (Thu, Sun)
- Preveza – 2 weekly (Wed, Sat)
- Rhodes – 2 weekly (Tue, Fri)
- Skiathos – 1 weekly (Tue)
- Zante – 1 weekly (Wed)
Malta
- Malta – 2 weekly (Thu, Sun)
Italy
- Naples – 2 weekly (Mon, Fri)
- Verona – 1 weekly (Wed)
Cyprus
- Paphos – 2 weekly (Mon, Thu)
Croatia
- Pula – 2 weekly (Tue, Fri)
Bulgaria
- Bourgas – 2 weekly (Wed, Sat)
Impact on taxi and private hire drivers
For taxi, PHV, and airport transfer operators — particularly those covering South London, Sussex and Surrey — the new Jet2 base is likely to bring:
- Higher year-round demand for Gatwick transfers
- More group bookings needing 6-8 seater vehicles
- Increased late-night and early-morning airport runs
- Growth in repeat business from Jet2holidays package travellers
- Potential opportunities to partner with hotels and travel agents
With Jet2 adding large-scale operations to an already busy airport, the passenger uplift could create long-term benefits for local drivers and operators.
DM News Commentary
Jet2 expanding into Gatwick is one of the most significant leisure aviation moves in recent years. For the taxi and private-hire trade, increased flight schedules and package holiday arrivals typically translate into higher transfer demand — particularly for minibuses, executive vehicles, and long-distance runs. Operators in the South East should expect a noticeable rise in airport-related work once services begin in 2026.
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