British low-cost carrier and the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2, has announced the launch of flights and holiday packages from London Gatwick Airport, marking one of the most significant milestones in the company’s history. This is the first major leisure airline to open a base at Gatwick since 2020 and represents the largest new-based carrier at the airport in the 21st century.
With this move, Jet2 expands its network to a total of 14 UK airport bases, with operations from Gatwick beginning on 26 March 2026, just in time for the Easter holidays. In its first summer season from the airport, Jet2 will operate flights to 29 destinations across the Mediterranean, including Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Among these is Pula, which will be connected to London Gatwick once a week, every Saturday.
The Gatwick base will be operated by a fleet of six aircraft, including five brand-new Airbus A321neo jets – currently the most efficient narrow-body aircraft in their class, delivering 20% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat, and a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to previous-generation aircraft.
The opening of the base also represents a major investment for the region, with over 300 new jobs created directly at Jet2 across pilot, cabin crew, engineering, and ground operation positions, alongside hundreds of indirect roles within the wider tourism industry.
“For many years, our ambition has been to offer our award-winning service and complete holiday product to customers across London and the South East, and we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth,” said Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.
“We know just how much demand there is for our flights and holidays, and we are confident that bringing the Jet2 formula to Gatwick will be a real game-changer for customers and independent travel agents alike,” Heapy added.
London Gatwick Airport also welcomed the announcement. “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, bringing even more choice and flexibility to our passengers and strengthening our position as the airport for everyone, whatever their journey,” said Pierre-Hugues, CEO of London Gatwick.
In parallel with the Gatwick announcement, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays signed a four-year partnership agreement with the Croatian National Tourist Board during this week’s World Travel Market in London, reinforcing their commitment to boosting tourism development in Croatia. The agreement will see the UK’s largest tour operator and leading leisure airline run joint promotional campaigns across the UK market, including digital, out-of-home, and social media advertising, as well as the creation of dedicated Croatia-themed holiday and video content.
Regular strategic meetings are also planned as part of the cooperation, alongside shared market insights and joint promotional events aimed at both industry stakeholders and holidaymakers. The partnership includes plans to increase seat capacity to Croatia over the coming years through the introduction of new routes. Jet2 has been operating flights to Croatia for 17 years and in Summer 2026 will serve 19 routes between three Croatian airports and nine UK bases, including three brand-new services.
“I am delighted to sign this agreement, which officially formalises our partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board for the next four years. Croatia is a much-loved destination among our customers, and we look forward to driving further growth through this fantastic cooperation,” said David Neill, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
“With the increase in arrivals and overnight stays from UK visitors this year, Croatia continues to strengthen its position as one of the most desirable Mediterranean destinations. We are pleased to sign this valuable cooperation agreement with Jet2, a partner that makes an outstanding contribution to the accessibility and promotion of Croatian destinations,” added Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
The dual announcement – the opening of the Gatwick base and the signing of the strategic partnership with the Croatian Tourist Board – highlights Jet2’s strong commitment to Southern Europe, with Croatia playing an increasingly central role as one of the UK’s most attractive and well-connected holiday destinations. The new London Gatwick – Pula route will further enhance connectivity and strengthen Istria’s position in the British market.
