Skip to content

Jet2 opening new base at UK airport

PA Media A Jet2 aeroplane flying against a pale grey sky. It is painted white and has Jet written in red and 2 written in white in large letters on its bodyPA Media
Jet2 will fly to 17 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, including the Canary Islands, the operator says

Airline and tour operator Jet2 has chosen London Luton Airport as its latest UK base.

The company said it would fly to 17 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, including the Canary Islands, from next summer.

The airport is owned by Luton Borough Council company Luton Rising and run by a private operator. The council's Labour leader Hazel Simmons said the investment would "deliver for our town and neighbouring communities".

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said the move would create 125 jobs initially.

Getty Images An entrance to London Luton Airport. It is a grey building with London Luton Airport written in white on its wall. In front of it are barriers and a white covered walkway. People can be seen walking alongGetty Images
Jet2 is the latest airline to base itself at the the council-owned airport

Luton Airport said it carried more than 16.2 million passengers in 2023 and airlines already based there include easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui.

The airport's chief executive Alberto Martin said it was "fantastic news" for passengers and "marks a major expansion of Jet2’s operations in the south of England".

Mr Heapy said: "Customers and independent travel agents have been asking us to open at London Luton Airport for many years now."

London Luton Airport Five men in suits looking towards the camera. Between them is a sign for Jet2.com, saying it is taking off from London Luton Airport in white lettering on an orange background. They are standing outside the airport, an entry to which can be glimpsed behind themLondon Luton Airport
(From left to right) Simon Harley, Jonathan Rayner, Alberto Martin, Steve Heapy and Ian Doubtfire from Jet2

Jet2 already flies to 12 UK airports and has bases at 10 of them - but it does not currently fly into Luton.

Ms Simmons said the news would bring "jobs and economic growth".

"Employment in and around the airport is already at record levels and today’s announcement will make another major contribution to the next chapter in its ongoing success."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links