London Gatwick Expands Summer Flight Offerings

DALLAS — This summer, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is set to offer passengers an extensive range of travel options, with flights to 223 destinations provided by 56 airlines.

Ahead of the high travel season, the airport is introducing 14 new services, enhancing both short-haul and long-haul travel choices.

CEO Stewart Wingate tells City A.M. that he anticipates a very busy year ahead, marking a recovery from the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions drastically reduced passenger numbers.

In a post-pandemic world, LGW is experiencing a significant rebound in passenger traffic post-pandemic, anticipating 43.5 million travelers this year—approximately 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

New London Gatwick Destinations

Between May and July 2024, LGW will launch a variety of new services. Short-haul destinations include:

• Gothenburg, Sweden (Norwegian [DH], 4 times per week)
• Skiathos, Greece (easyJet [U2], 2 times per week)
• Rome, Italy (ITA Airways [AZ], 7 times per week)
• Vagar, Faroe Islands (Atlantic Airways [RC], 2 times per week)
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (Azores Airlines [S4], 2 times per week)
• Varna, Bulgaria (Wizz Air [W6], 3 times per week)
• Salerno, Italy (U2, 2 times per week)

Long-haul destinations will feature:

• Halifax, Canada (WestJet [WS], 4 times per week)
• St John’s, Canada (WS, 3 times per week)
• Erbil, Iraq (FlyErbil [HW], once per week)
• Beijing, China (Air China [CA], 7 times per week)
• Singapore (Singapore Airlines [SQ], 5 times per week)
• Guangzhou, China (China Southern [CZ], 3 times per week).

Additionally, a new domestic service to Jersey, Channel Islands (British Airways [BA], 4 times per week) will be available. Furthermore, from August 18, Air India (AI) will begin flights between LGW and Bengaluru, with future routes to Bangkok, Thailand, Islamabad, Pakistan, and Rovaniemi, Finland, scheduled later in the year.

Airport Development and Efficiency

Stephanie Wear, VP of Aviation Development at London Gatwick, expressed via an airport press release her enthusiasm about the expanded destination list, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to providing extensive travel choices for holidays, family visits, and business trips.

Wear also highlighted the efficient security processes, with 95% of passengers clearing security in under five minutes, alongside the airport’s retail and dining options.

London Gatwick is also focusing on its long-term growth, with plans to bring its Northern Runway into regular use currently under examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

This initiative aims to enhance resilience, minimize delays, and boost the regional and national economy by supporting trade, tourism, and job creation.