London Gatwick expands its network with over 20 New Carriers

London Gatwick expands its network with over 20 New Carriers

Move over, Heathrow—Gatwick is stealing the spotlight.

London Gatwick (LGW), the UK’s second-busiest airport, has been racking up new airline partnerships like a collector hunting for rare stamps. With over 20 new and returning carriers joining the line-up since 2023, the airport is proving to be a major player for airlines looking for a London base—without the stress (or sky-high costs) of Heathrow.

The latest headline-grabber? Gulf Air is landing at Gatwick in March 2025, giving travellers an alternative link between London and Bahrain. If you’ve ever tried squeezing a last-minute booking into Heathrow’s congested schedules, this is your lucky break.

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Gulf Air Takes Off at Gatwick: Bahrain Flights Start March 2025

Gulf Air’s big debut at Gatwick is set for March 30, 2025, as part of the airline’s expansion strategy. While it’s keeping its existing double-daily Heathrow flights, the new Gatwick service gives passengers more flexibility—and more options for connecting beyond Bahrain.

New Route Details:

Bahrain (BAH) – Gatwick (LGW)
GF9: 01:45 – 06:55 (7h 10m)
GF10: 11:25 – 20:00 (6h 35m)

Operating three times a week on the sleek Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this new route will cater to travellers heading to the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.

Why Airlines Are Choosing Gatwick Over Heathrow

It’s no secret that Heathrow’s slot availability is tighter than a packed tube train at rush hour. With steep fees and intense competition for landing rights, many airlines are rethinking their London strategy—and Gatwick is rolling out the red carpet.

Since 2023, more than 20 airlines have launched or resumed operations at LGW. Some highlights:

Recent Airline Arrivals at Gatwick:
2025: Gulf Air, Kenya Airways
2024: Air Peace, Atlantic Airways, flyErbil, Iberia Express, ITA Airways, SkyAlps, Uzbekistan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines
2023: Air China, Air India, Air Mauritius, Azerbaijan Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta Air Lines, Ethiopian Airlines, Norse Atlantic, Saudia, SKY express, UR Airlines, Volotea

Why airlines are making the switch:

• Blocked from Heathrow expansion? Gatwick welcomes you with open arms (e.g., Gulf Air, Kenya Airways).
• First time flying to the UK? Start at LGW (e.g., Air Peace).
• Want to save money? Gatwick’s lower costs are a game-changer (e.g., Air Mauritius, ITA Airways).
• Have a niche audience? Gatwick embraces specialty airlines (e.g., flyErbil, SkyAlps).

Kenya Airways Returns to Gatwick After Two Decades

Another big name making a Gatwick comeback? Kenya Airways is resuming flights from Nairobi (NBO) to LGW on July 2, 2025, after more than 20 years away.

Kenya Airways UK Service Expansion:

• Heathrow: 7 weekly flights
• Gatwick: 3 weekly flights (new)

Not Every Airline Stays Forever—But Gatwick Keeps Growing

Of course, not every airline sticks around. In recent years, Gatwick has said goodbye to Azores Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Lufthansa, and Scoot pulled its Singapore-Bangkok-Gatwick route in 2022. But the airport isn’t slowing down.

In fact, British Airways and Norse Atlantic are set to launch Bangkok flights from Gatwick in 2025—a first for the airport and a sign that long-haul demand is booming.

The Future of Gatwick’s Airline Boom

As London’s aviation landscape shifts, Gatwick is carving out its place as a top-tier alternative to Heathrow. The airport’s lower costs, greater slot flexibility, and expanding international routes make it an attractive option for airlines and travellers alike.

With demand surging for Middle East, Asia, and Africa connectivity, expect even more big airline announcements in the coming years. Whether you’re jetting off to Bahrain, Nairobi, or beyond, Gatwick is proving it’s the London airport to watch.

So, Heathrow may still be the king—but Gatwick? It’s the rising star.