If you are flying through London Gatwick (LGW) this summer, the airport might look and feel a little different. In what is being described as the airport’s largest expansion in a decade, Gatwick has welcomed nine new airlines for the 2026 summer season.
With over 40 new routes and a record 62 airlines now operating from the hub, Gatwick is positioning itself as the ultimate alternative to Heathrow. At DM Airport Transfers, we have tracked these changes to ensure you know exactly where to head for your next flight.
Who are the New Arrivals?
The 2026 expansion isn’t just about more flights; it’s about more variety. The new roster includes everything from European budget giants to long-haul specialists.
| Airline | Primary Destinations | Launch Date (2026) |
| AnimaWings | Bucharest | 22 March |
| Jet2.com | 29 Routes (Spain, Greece, Turkey, etc.) | 26 March |
| Air France | Paris CDG | 29 March |
| Eurowings | Cologne & Stuttgart | 29 March |
| Royal Air Maroc | Tetouan | 29 March |
| Condor | Frankfurt | 1 April |
| Pegasus Airlines | Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen) | 15 June |
| Beijing Capital | Qingdao | 24 June |
| AirAsia X | Kuala Lumpur | 26 June |
| Air Arabia | Sharjah (UAE) | 26 June |
The Arrival of Jet2 at Gatwick
Perhaps the biggest news for 2026 is Jet2.com making Gatwick its 14th UK base. Starting in late March, the airline has based several brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft at the airport, serving 29 sunshine destinations. If you are used to flying Jet2 from the North or Midlands, you can now enjoy their “VIP Customer Service” and 22kg baggage allowance directly from London.
New Long-Haul Frontiers
Gatwick is also strengthening its global reach this summer:
- Asia: AirAsia X returns to Gatwick with daily flights to Kuala Lumpur, providing a budget-friendly gateway to Southeast Asia.
- China: Beijing Capital Airlines has launched a weekly service to Qingdao, following the relaxation of visa rules for British citizens.
- Middle East: Air Arabia now offers a 14-times-weekly service to Sharjah, offering an alternative to the busy Dubai (DXB) hub.
Which Terminal Should You Use?
With so many new airlines, terminal assignments are busy. As a general rule for 2026:
- North Terminal: Home to the new Condor flights, Air France, and the majority of EasyJet and Emirates operations.
- South Terminal: The base for the new Jet2 operations, along with British Airways, Ryanair, and the new Pegasus Airlines service to Istanbul.
Why Pre-Booking Your Gatwick Transfer is Vital in 2026
With 12 new international routes and nine new carriers, Gatwick is expecting its busiest summer since 2019. This means:
- More Traffic: The roads surrounding Gatwick (M23/A23) will see significantly more volume, especially during the morning and evening “waves.”
- Longer Security Queues: While Gatwick is upgrading its scanners, the sheer volume of new passengers means you should aim to arrive at the terminal 3 hours before your flight.
- App Shortages: With hundreds of new airline staff and thousands of extra passengers daily, on-demand car apps are struggling to keep up with demand.
Book Your Gatwick Transfer with Confidence
Don’t let the 2026 expansion stress you out. At DM Airport Transfers, we provide a reliable, fixed-price service to both the North and South terminals. Whether you are catching one of the new Jet2 flights to Spain or heading to Malaysia with AirAsia X, we ensure you arrive on time and in comfort.
- WhatsApp/Mobile: +447947199830
- Email: info@dmairporttransfers.co.uk
- Website: dmairporttransfers.co.uk
