UK leisure carrier Jet2 is launching operations from London Gatwick in March 2026, marking its largest new base addition in decades. The airline will station six aircraft at Gatwick, including five brand-new Airbus A321neo jets, to serve 29 “sunshine” destinations across Europe.
This move makes Gatwick the 14th UK base for Jet2 and its first major leisure-carrier arrival at the airport since 2020.
The expansion reflects strong demand for holiday travel and beach-and-city breaks from the UK’s south-east region.
Greece in the spotlight: Ten new island links
The Gatwick base will unlock 10 Greek destinations for Jet2 passengers, broadening access to sun-soaked islands and cultural getaways. The scheduled routes include:
- Corfu – twice weekly (Mon & Fri)
- Heraklion (Crete) – twice weekly (Tue & Fri)
- Kalamata – once weekly (Wed)
- Kefalonia – twice weekly (Mon & Fri)
- Kos – twice weekly (Mon & Thu)
- Halkidiki – twice weekly (Thu & Sun)
- Preveza – twice weekly (Wed & Sat)
- Rhodes – twice weekly (Tue & Fri)
- Skiathos – once weekly (Tue)
- Zakynthos – once weekly (Wed)
These offerings give holiday-makers more flexibility and choice to reach iconic islands with fewer changes and direct links.
From family friendly resorts to romantic escapes and adventure-filled destinations, the new Greek routes respond to evolving traveller preferences and growing interest in lesser-visited destinations.
Broader European portfolio: More variety, more value
Jet2’s Gatwick programme spans the Mediterranean and beyond. In addition to Greece, the carrier will serve destinations in Spain (mainland, Balearics, Canaries), Portugal, Turkey, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Holiday-makers will benefit from a fresh leisure-travel product: competitive fares, service-led flights and ATOL-protected package options under the Jet2 brand.
This intensified network positions Jet2 to capture more of the UK’s beach-and-city holiday market — especially for travellers based around London, the South East and neighbouring regions.
Market impact: Holiday-industry ripple effects
The arrival of Jet2 at Gatwick is more than a travel-update. It generates economic impact, especially for Greece and regional airports.
For Greek destinations, increased direct flight access supports local tourism economies, encourages diversification beyond the busiest resorts, and spreads visitor flows to alternative islands and mainland zones.
For Gatwick and the UK travel market, the expansion adds more choice and competitive pressure. The airport welcomes more connectivity from the South East and works to meet growing demand for leisure travel.
Why this matters for holiday-makers
- More direct choices: Direct flights from Gatwick into key Greek islands save time and make travel simpler.
- Expanded options: With 29 destinations on sale, travellers can pick from beach resorts, cultural cities and vibrant islands.
- Value-driven travel: Jet2 aims to blend affordability with quality service — holiday-makers get more for their budget.
- New gateway for South-East UK: Gatwick’s catchment area means many more travellers will gain easier airport access to summer-leisure flights.
- Service-led experience: The airline emphasises the full journey — flights, accommodation, baggage, transfers — giving an integrated holiday product rather than just seat-sales.
Final thoughts
Jet2’s Gatwick base in spring 2026 signals a major step for UK leisure travel. The combination of 10 Greek island routes and a wide European network give travelers more choice for sun, sea and culture.
For Greece, the boost in connectivity supports tourism-growth beyond major hubs. For UK holidaymakers, the message is clear: more destinations, more flexibility, with the service promise of the Jet2 brand.
If you’re planning your next getaway from London or the Southeast, this expansion opens up new possibilities — and the summer 2026 holiday market is already shaping up to be more diverse and accessible than ever.
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