Jet2’s Twenty-Nine New Sunshine Routes from London Gatwick Set to Boost UK Tourism in 2026
Published on
November 12, 2025
The news of Jet2’s expansion into London Gatwick Airport marks a significant milestone for UK holidaymakers. From March 2026, the airline will operate 29 new sunshine routes from this busy south‑east hub, offering direct flights to some of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. For tourists in the region, this expansion means more options and greater convenience when planning their summer getaways.
This major move will make Gatwick the 14th base for Jet2, reflecting the airline’s growing footprint in the UK travel market. The first flight from Gatwick is set to take off on 26th March 2026, marking the beginning of Jet2’s extensive service to popular holiday spots in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, and Bulgaria. This is a significant boost for both travellers and destinations alike, further cementing the UK’s reputation as one of Europe’s top tourist hubs.
How It Benefits UK Tourism
The launch of Jet2’s new base at Gatwick is expected to have a positive impact on UK tourism. With more than 240 million passengers travelling through UK airports in 2023, outbound travel to destinations like the Mediterranean is a critical component of the country’s tourism economy. By offering 29 additional routes, Jet2 is providing UK travellers with more affordable and convenient options for holidaying abroad, thus keeping the demand for European tourism strong.
As one of the UK’s busiest airports, Gatwick serves a key role in the nation’s travel infrastructure. With this expansion, passengers living in or near London and the surrounding areas will have more direct flights to some of Europe’s most sought-after vacation spots. This not only benefits tourists but also helps to drive regional tourism. Increased flight options often lead to greater competition between airlines, which in turn could bring down ticket prices and provide travellers with more flexibility on flight times.
Boosting Regional Economies and Tourism Growth
The ripple effect of Jet2’s new routes extends beyond the UK’s borders. Many of the destinations being added to the airline’s flight schedule are heavily dependent on international tourism. Countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy rely on UK travellers for a large portion of their summer visitors. Increased flights from Gatwick will make it easier for UK tourists to reach these regions, encouraging more spending in local economies, from hotels to restaurants, excursions, and beyond.
Additionally, regional airports in southern Europe will benefit from more frequent flights, leading to an increase in both international tourism and employment opportunities. More UK holidaymakers will be able to explore both well‑known and off‑the-beaten-path destinations, helping to reduce the overcrowding in already popular tourist spots while promoting the discovery of new destinations. For instance, areas like Malta, Bulgaria, and Croatia stand to gain significantly from the influx of UK visitors, who may not have considered these destinations before but now have easy access thanks to the new routes.
Strengthening UK’s Tourism Industry
For the UK government, fostering connections with key international tourism markets has been a priority in recent years. With inbound tourism contributing billions to the national economy each year, supporting outbound travel has a direct effect on the tourism industry as a whole. According to the UK government’s aviation strategy, maintaining strong air links is a fundamental part of ensuring the growth of both inbound and outbound tourism, which creates jobs, supports businesses, and boosts economic activity across the nation.
By choosing Gatwick as its new base, Jet2 is not only enhancing travel options for its passengers but also reinforcing the UK’s position as a major player in the global tourism market. The government has repeatedly stressed the importance of increasing air connectivity to help UK businesses thrive, and the arrival of new flights to some of the most popular European destinations will undoubtedly contribute to the overall growth of the tourism sector.
Looking to the Future of Tourism
As Jet2 prepares to launch its 29 new sunshine routes in March 2026, the tourism industry is set to experience a new wave of excitement. For the thousands of tourists who will benefit from more affordable flights and greater flexibility, the news signals a promising future for holiday travel. Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the beaches of Spain or exploring the ancient ruins of Greece, the increased flight availability will make travelling more accessible and appealing for many.
This announcement also serves as a reminder of the crucial role that tourism plays in the UK’s economy. It demonstrates how collaboration between airlines, regional airports, and destinations can lead to mutual growth. With Jet2 leading the way at Gatwick, the UK’s tourism industry looks set to continue its strong post-pandemic recovery, giving travellers more reasons to book their next adventure.
