Holidaymakers and business travellers alike have reason to celebrate as London Gatwick Airport unveils ambitious plans to welcome seven new airlines to its bustling hub in 2026. This significant expansion is poised to enhance the airport's global connectivity and stimulate local economic growth, building on its existing status as a key gateway for approximately 40 million passengers annually.
Jet2 Leads the Charge with Extensive European Network
Among the most notable additions is Jet2, the UK's third-largest airline, which is set to make a substantial impact at Gatwick. According to reports from Travel and Tour World, Jet2 will deploy six aircraft to operate 29 routes across Europe, commencing from March 26, 2026. These routes will span a diverse array of popular destinations, including Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.
The arrival of Jet2 is expected to create approximately 300 direct jobs in the local area, covering roles in flight deck operations, cabin crew, engineering, and ground services. Furthermore, industry analysts anticipate that hundreds more indirect positions will be generated through the wider supply chain, providing a significant boost to the regional economy.
European and International Carriers Join the Roster
Air France is also securing a prominent spot at Gatwick, with plans to launch a new direct service twice daily to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport starting March 29, 2026. This addition will strengthen air links between the UK and France, offering passengers increased flexibility and convenience.
German carrier Eurowings will debut at Gatwick from March 29, operating 13 weekly flights to Cologne, followed by six weekly services to Stuttgart commencing April 13. Another German airline, Condor, has secured flights from Gatwick to Frankfurt starting in April, further expanding the airport's European network.
Beyond Europe, Beijing Capital Airlines is reportedly set to launch flights from Gatwick to Qingdao in East China's Shandong province, enhancing connectivity with Asia. Meanwhile, Air Arabia will introduce twice-daily flights to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates from March 29, marking the only direct service between this UAE destination and the UK.
Completing the list of new entrants, Romanian airline AminaWings will launch flights between Bucharest and London Gatwick six days a week from March 22, 2026.
Building on Recent Growth and Future Developments
This expansion follows a period of robust growth for Gatwick, which added several other airlines to its offerings in the previous year, including Qanot Sharq, Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Peace, and Skybus. The airport's continuous evolution is further underscored by a major infrastructure project approved in September.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted approval for a privately financed £2.2 billion project to open a second runway at Gatwick. This development involves moving the emergency runway 13 yards north to accommodate departures of narrow-bodied aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. The new runway is expected to unlock potential for flights to a host of new destinations, significantly boosting the airport's capacity and operational efficiency.
With these strategic additions and infrastructure enhancements, Gatwick Airport is firmly positioning itself for a dynamic and prosperous future, promising travellers an ever-expanding array of options and reinforcing its role as a critical hub in global aviation.
