Jet2 Lands at Gatwick: London Gets a New Sunshine Machine for 2026

Jet2 Lands at Gatwick: London Gets a New Sunshine Machine for 2026

Breaking news: London Gatwick is getting a glow-up, and no, it’s not a new Pret. Starting March 2026, Jet2 is officially opening its newest base at the airport — and they’re not arriving quietly. They’re showing up with six aircraft, 29 sunshine-packed destinations, and the kind of energy you get after drinking three airport cappuccinos at 5:00 AM.

This is Jet2’s biggest base launch at Gatwick this entire century, which is a fun way of saying: “We don’t do things small.”

A Whole New Base… and a Whole Lot of Planes

Jet2 plans to base six aircraft at Gatwick – five of which are sparkling, fresh-out-of-the-box Airbus A321neos. These beauties are some of the most fuel-efficient and whisper-quiet aircraft on the market. Honestly, they’re so quiet that your seatmate chewing crisps will sound louder than the engines.

The A321neo also cuts fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat by over 20%, making it the eco-friendly option for your next escape to somewhere with more sun, fewer clouds, and significantly cheaper cocktails.

And with this move, Jet2 spreads its wings to 14 airports across the UK. At this point, they’re basically collecting airports like some people collect fridge magnets.

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Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Jet2 isn’t just bringing planes — it’s bringing opportunities. The new base will create over 300 direct jobs in the region, including:

• Pilots (the ones who keep you safe)
• Cabin crew (the ones who keep you hydrated)
• Engineers (the ones who keep the plane attached to itself)
• Ground staff (the heroes who somehow manage to smile while dealing with delays)

Plus, hundreds of additional indirect jobs will pop up in the local supply chain. Gatwick is about to get busier than the line at duty-free when perfume goes 20% off.

29 Destinations of Pure Holiday Vibes

Jet2’s very first flight from Gatwick? Tenerife on 26 March 2026. Perfect timing for the Easter holidays — because nothing says “seasonal joy” like swapping London drizzle for volcanic landscapes and SPF 50.

But Tenerife is only the beginning. Jet2’s new base will connect Londoners to 29 destinations, including:

• Spain (all the sun, all the tapas)
• Greece (where salads somehow taste better)
• Turkey (bring stretchy trousers)
• Portugal (vino verde all day)
• Malta (sunshine + history = bliss)
• Italy (gelato is a food group, don’t argue)
• Croatia (azure sea + stone towns = perfection)
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus

Basically, Jet2 took a map of Europe, circled every warm spot, and said: “Yep, we’ll fly there.”

Gatwick Is Thrilled. Jet2 Is Thrilled. Everyone Is Thrilled.

London Gatwick’s CEO, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, called the launch “an exciting new chapter” for the airport, praising Jet2 for adding more choice for passengers. With Gatwick’s Northern Runway expansion already approved, this move fits neatly into the airport’s master plan of becoming even more of a powerhouse.

Meanwhile, Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy described the new base as “a major milestone”, calling the airline’s arrival at Gatwick “a game-changer for customers across London and the South East.” Translation: great holidays inbound, folks.

Final Boarding Call

With shiny new aircraft, dozens of routes, eco-friendlier flying, job creation, and serious holiday energy, Jet2’s arrival at Gatwick isn’t just a business move — it’s a sunshine delivery system for London and the South East.

So, whether you’re dreaming of Greek beaches, Portuguese coastlines, Turkish bazaars, or Italian espresso that tastes like liquid happiness… 2026 is looking like a very good year to check in, buckle up, and take off. Jet2 has made flying from London very interesting, so what are you waiting for!