London Gatwick is preparing for what is set to be its busiest summer since 2019, with new global routes, increased frequencies and major airline developments enhancing connectivity for passengers across the South East. From long-haul links to Asia to business-friendly services across Europe, the airport’s growing route network is supporting trade, travel and opportunity as 2026 gets underway.
In February, Emirates launched its fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick – a development that adds flexibility for business and leisure travellers alike.
The new flight is operated by the Airbus A350 – notably the first A350 to serve England – and reintroduces Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin for London Gatwick passengers. The additional service also becomes Emirates’ last daily departure from Dubai to any European destination, offering passengers more time in the UAE before travelling home.
Together, Emirates’ four daily services significantly enhance capacity and choice on a core long-haul connection between the UK and the Middle East.
Later this year, AirAsia X will launch a daily service to Kuala Lumpur, restoring a valuable connection which was last served from London Gatwick in 2012.
Operating via Bahrain, the service offers UK businesses and leisure passengers improved access to one of Southeast Asia’s major economic and leisure hubs. In addition, the route offers strong onward connectivity to more than 130 destinations across the region, including Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, and Melbourne.
Kuala Lumpur will become the 15th Asian destination served from London Gatwick this summer, reinforcing the airport’s role and growth as a key gateway to major global markets.
European business links are also set for a significant boost this spring, led by enhanced connectivity across Germany’s key commercial centres. Eurowings will launch new links to Cologne and Stuttgart from late March and mid-April, joined by Condor’s three-times-daily Frankfurt service, offering strong frequency for day-to-day business and leisure travel.
Complementing this growth, Air France will introduce a twice-daily service to Paris from March 29th, reinforcing short-haul access to one of Europe’s most prominent capitals. These routes, and their frequencies, offer convenient options for business and leisure travellers across Western Europe.
Later this month, London Gatwick will celebrate the start of Jet2 operations, marking one of the airport’s largest airline arrivals in more than two decades. Jet2 will begin flying on 26 March, operating 29 routes and basing five new Airbus A321neo aircraft at the airport.
While Jet2’s network primarily supports leisure travel, its arrival represents a substantial boost to the South East’s economy, creating more than 300 direct jobs and hundreds more in the wider supply chain. The launch also reflects the continued demand for travel from the region and contributes to London Gatwick’s position as one of the UK’s most diverse and well-connected airports.
Across the season, London Gatwick passengers will have access to more than 230 destinations worldwide operated by 62 carriers, marking a record breadth of airlines serving the airport.
New airlines joining the network this year include Jet2, AirAsia X, Air Arabia, Air France, Eurowings, Condor, Animawings and Beijing Capital Airlines, while other carriers continue to expand frequencies across North America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
With summer approaching, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for connectivity at London Gatwick – supporting both global mobility and the region’s economic growth.
Developing skills and creating local opportunity
February saw London Gatwick host its third onsite Apprenticeships Fair, attracting more than 400 visitors from local schools, colleges, SEN providers and jobseekers. Twelve employers from across aviation, engineering, construction, hospitality, logistics, retail and transport took part, reflecting the wide choice of career pathways available in and around the airport.
Breakout workshops also proved hugely popular, featuring presentations from London Gatwick apprentices and graduates, alongside Aviation Ambassadors Miguel Cabrera Vivas and Ross Priday, whose sessions drew standing-room-only audiences.
Crawley College, Wilson James and DHL also delivered talks, giving attendees practical advice on routes into the industry.
The fair forms an important part of London Gatwick’s wider commitment to supporting local talent and strengthening the regional skills pipeline, in line with its ambitions to champion a thriving local economy and expand employment opportunities across the area.
Route 4 airspace consultation: Modernising for the future
London Gatwick is inviting communities and stakeholders to have their say on options for the future operation of Route 4 – one of the departure routes for aircraft departing the airport – as part of an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP).
The 14-week public consultation – open until April 28th, 2026 - seeks to gather feedback from communities and stakeholders on proposals for reintroducing satellite-based navigational procedures to Route 4 - one of nine departure routes from London Gatwick. Planes flying Route 4 take off in a westerly direction from the main runway, before turning 180º northwards and then heading east.
As part of a UK government programme to modernise the UK’s airspace, airports are required to adopt new navigational procedures which use modern, satellite-based technology. In addition to being a regulatory requirement, the proposals could also help to deliver benefits for some communities, including reduced noise and environmental impacts. A full range of drop-in sessions, webinars and online materials are available for those who wish to learn more or provide feedback.
