London Gatwick is strengthening its position as a gateway for trade, tourism and investment, with new airlines, expanded long-haul connectivity and a strong commitment to regional prosperity.
EXPANDING GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
London Gatwick is entering 2026 with significant momentum, as the airport continues to grow its route network and attract major carriers. This growth is not only offering more choice for passengers – it’s supporting economic opportunities for businesses across the South East.
In March, Jet2 will make London Gatwick its newest base, marking the largest new airline launch at the airport this century. The UK’s third-largest airline will operate six brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, including five based at London Gatwick, flying to 29 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
The move will create more than 300 direct jobs, alongside hundreds more through the wider supply chain. The A321neo fleet also delivers the best-in-class sustainability benefits, reducing CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and cutting noise by 50%, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to responsible growth.
Long-haul connectivity is also on the rise. Norse Atlantic Airways recently launched its first UK–Asia route, with a four-times-weekly service to Bangkok. This milestone comes as demand for Asian travel has grown sharply, with routes to China and Singapore up 16% year-on-year this summer and Central Asia traffic increasing by 25% in the same period. London Gatwick now offers 61 weekly services to Asia, supporting both leisure and business travel across the region.
Africa is another success story. Air Peace has added Abuja to its network, complementing its popular Lagos service and giving Gatwick passengers direct access to 21 African destinations. The airport welcomed a record-breaking summer for African travel in 2025, with more than 670,000 passengers flying to the continent – a 9% increase on 2024.
Meanwhile, connectivity to the Middle East is set to strengthen further. From March 29th, Air Arabia will operate the UK’s only direct service to Sharjah, UAE, with twice-daily flights on Airbus A321LR aircraft. This addition will bring London Gatwick’s total Middle East offering to 80 flights per week, meeting surging demand and supporting vital trade links across the Gulf region.
These developments reflect the airport’s strategic focus on long-haul growth, ensuring businesses in the South East have access to key global markets. Almost 60 airlines now fly from London Gatwick to more than 220 destinations worldwide, including more than 50 long-haul routes.
Alongside major international developments, London Gatwick also continues to play a vital role in sustaining regional connectivity. The airport recently welcomed Skybus as the operator of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick, following Eastern Airways entering administration.
This daily, year-round service is subsidised by the Government and Cornwall Council due to its economic importance, ensuring businesses and communities in Cornwall remain connected to the capital.
As Skybus transitions to a 78-seat turboprop aircraft and increases to twice-daily flights early this year, the route will help maintain confidence in the region’s business and tourism sectors – demonstrating the airport’s dedication to supporting both regional and wider UK economies.
CHAMPIONING REGIONAL PROSPERITY
Beyond its global reach, London Gatwick continues to play a pivotal role as a key anchor for the regional economy. At the London Gatwick Economic Summit in November, attended by more than 200 regional stakeholders, the airport reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for growth, highlighting initiatives such as the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) and its support for West Sussex’s new economic strategy.
As a partner of the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT), London Gatwick celebrated the completion of the SSIoT’s Crawley campus last October. This new site acts as a major skills hub, helping to shape the region’s future workforce.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick, said: “London Gatwick is not only a gateway to the world – it’s a key catalyst for regional growth. From unlocking new trade routes to powering innovation and job creation, London Gatwick is proud to play a key role in the region’s prosperity.”
Local sourcing remains a priority, with the airport’s ongoing support of Natural Partnership CIC’s Sussex Six campaign bringing 32 regional products into London Gatwick’s restaurants, bars and shops. Events such as the recent Meet the Local Producer initiative – bringing together 35 of the region’s upcoming and leading food, drink and homeware producers with airport retailers, restaurants and hotels - demonstrate a persistent drive from London Gatwick in supporting local SMEs and promoting sustainability.
This was also highlighted by the airport welcoming its first local business, Sknfed, to a newly designed retail carousel unit at the North Terminal in October. The family-run company, born in Thornton Heath, is known for its ethical, organic skincare products made with natural ingredients and sustainable packaging.
In December, the airport welcomed Discover London, a new store concept from Lagardère Travel Retail in the South Terminal. The 94sq.m. space features a curated selection of British heritage brands and locally sourced products from Sussex, blending national labels with authentic regional finds.
London Gatwick’s continued investment in global connectivity and regional partnerships underscores its role as more than an airport – it’s a driver of growth, innovation and opportunity. By expanding routes, supporting local businesses and championing sustainability, London Gatwick is helping the South East thrive on the world stage while staying rooted in its community.
LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE
To support this growth, Jonny Macneal has been appointed as the new Head of Aviation Development, effective January 5th. Jonny brings extensive experience from Edinburgh Airport, where he led a successful post-pandemic recovery and expanded its route portfolio. His appointment signals London Gatwick’s commitment to building strong airline partnerships and delivering sustainable connectivity for the future.
