Gatwick Lines Up the Biggest Summer Network Since 2019
London Gatwick is preparing for its largest summer schedule in seven years, with more than 230 destinations on offer in 2026. The airport will host 62 airlines, the highest number in its history, including eight new carriers joining the line-up. The expanded programme marks the most extensive network available at Gatwick since before the pandemic.
Emirates has already strengthened the schedule with a fourth daily service to Dubai, operated by the Airbus A350. The move brings Premium Economy back to Gatwick and introduces the latest departing Dubai–Europe flight of any airline, giving passengers extra time in the city before returning to the UK. Other long-haul and European services are also increasing in frequency.
“Emirates’ fourth daily flight is a fantastic start to what will be our most exciting and varied summer season in years. With new airlines joining the airport, new destinations launching and major frequency increases across our network, passengers will enjoy even more choice for holidays, business trips and long-haul adventures. We’re proud to offer one of the UK’s most comprehensive route networks and we look forward to welcoming even more passengers this summer."
New airlines and routes for summer 2026
- New carriers: Jet2, AirAsia X, Condor, Air Arabia, Air France, Eurowings, Animawings, Beijing Capital Airlines
- New routes include Bucharest, Tenerife, Paris, Tetouan, Cologne, Sharjah, Frankfurt, Aalborg, Stuttgart, Ottawa, Qingdao and Kuala Lumpur
- SWISS increases Zurich to twice daily
- Royal Air Maroc will begin twice-weekly flights to Tetouan, Norwegian adds Aalborg, and Air Transat launches Ottawa in May.
The broader network improves direct access to a mix of leisure, family and business destinations. Beach routes such as Tenerife sit alongside cultural capitals like Paris and Bucharest, while Ottawa and Kuala Lumpur expand long-haul options. Increased frequencies to hubs such as Zurich make onward connections smoother, supporting both short breaks and extended journeys.
The larger summer schedule puts Gatwick back at a level it hasn’t reached in several years. With more airlines operating on key routes, ticket prices and seat availability could shift during the busiest weeks. With destinations across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East on the schedule, Gatwick is expected to handle high passenger numbers during the 2026 holiday season.