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Jet2 celebrated another major milestone in its continued growth and success story today, as the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator launched its inaugural flight from London Gatwick. 

Perfectly timed for the Easter holidays, the full flight departed from London Gatwick to Tenerife, with holidaymakers jetting off on a well-deserved holiday to the popular sunshine destination. It marked the start of Jet2 operating award-winning flights and package holidays from the UK’s second largest airport for the first time, and this inaugural flight was followed by another to Alicante shortly after.  

To celebrate the first day of flying, customers were treated to the famous VIP customer experience Jet2 are known for, receiving a red-carpet welcome at check-in, a surprise appearance from Zoe Lister and personalised gifts.  

Continuing to put customers at the very heart of the celebrations, a selection of customers were also surprised with free flight vouchers, and holidaymakers on the inaugural flight were invited to a special launch event where a Spanish guitarist entertained them.  

In addition, one lucky customer received a seven-night Jet2holiday to the AluaSoul Mallorca Resort in Majorca, personally awarded to them onboard the first flight by Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy.  

The official arrival of Jet2 at London Gatwick follows years of demand from customers and independent travel agents for the company to bring its award-winning customer service to the region. As well as further expanding its footprint to 14 UK airport bases, today’s launch means that more holidaymakers across London, Greater London and the South East of England can enjoy Jet2.com flights and ATOL protected package Jet2holidays.  

Customers travelling from London Gatwick will also benefit from the presence of Jet2’s Red Team of Customer Helpers, with them visible in their red uniforms and delivering the company’s VIP customer service. The company is repeatedly praised for providing industry-leading customer service, earning Which? Recommended Provider status for the past eleven years running and ranked as amongst the very best companies in the UK for delivering first class customer service in the latest Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI).  

Since announcing London Gatwick as its 14^th UK airport base, the airline and tour operator have reported a ‘phenomenal response’ and have responded to that demand by also going on sale with flights and holidays for Winter 2026/2027 and Summer 2027. This means holidaymakers have fantastic choice and flexibility whatever time of year they want to go away.  

During its first summer of operations from the airport, Jet2 has 29 sunshine destinations on sale across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus, with this significant programme demonstrating the company’s commitment to London Gatwick.  

To fly customers to this wide choice of destinations, Jet2 will operate a fleet of six aircraft this summer from the airport, including five based brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft. This aircraft is recognised as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft in its class today, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and providing a 50% lower noise footprint when compared to others. 

For Winter 2026/2027, Jet2 has put 23 destinations on sale (14 winter sun, five ski and four Christmas market destinations) from London Gatwick. 

Customers looking to book ahead can take advantage of Jet2’s Summer 2027 programme that is now on sale and includes 34 sun and leisure city destinations, representing a capacity increase of 27% in just its second summer of operations from London Gatwick. The expanded programme has seen a brand-new and exclusive route to Lesvos (Mytilene) go on sale and 1.1 million seats, giving customers and independent travel agents across the region huge choice when it comes to booking early and unlocking the sunshine for next summer. 

Jet2’s arrival at London Gatwick also represents a significant investment for the region, with over 300 jobs created with Jet2 directly, across roles including flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations.  

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2, as we welcome our first customers at London Gatwick and wave off our inaugural flight. After years of demand to come to London Gatwick, we are delighted to be bringing our award-winning service, recognised 11 years in a row by Which? as its recommended travel provider, to the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport. Seeing our first flight take off from our 14^th UK airport base, is an important milestone which we shared with our customers in a huge celebration with a familiar voice too – Zoe Lister.” 

He added: “Time and time again, we have shown that when we expand our operations and bring the Jet2 product to new customers at a new airport base, customers flock to our brand and award-winning customer service. Since going on sale, we have experienced phenomenal demand from customers and independent travel agents, and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”  

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said: “Today’s inaugural Jet2 flights mark an exciting moment for London Gatwick and for passengers across the region. The launch of 29 new routes and the creation of more than 300 jobs demonstrate the strength of demand for travel from our airport and the confidence airlines have in London Gatwick as a place to grow.  

“We’re proud to support Jet2’s newest base, giving passengers even more choice with our extensive and diverse route network, and great value flights and holidays to some of Europe’s most popular destinations.” 

Jet2 comprises the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays, and third largest airline, Jet2.com, fly from 14 UK airport bases to over 80 sun, leisure city and ski destinations. The Jet2 VIP customer service includes friendly flight times and a generous 22kg baggage allowance through a flight-only booking with Jet2.com. Customers also get that very same VIP customer service along with 2-5 star accommodation, in-resort Customer Helpers, transfers, Free Child Place Holidays and ATOL protection through a package holiday booked with the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays.