Jet2 Announces London Gatwick to Zante Route: What This Means for Holiday Prices in 2026

In a major development for UK holidaymakers, Jet2 has announced the launch of a new direct flight route from London Gatwick to Zakynthos (Zante), marking the airline's first operations from the UK's second-largest airport. This announcement, made on November 12, 2025, represents the most significant shake-up in London to Zante flights in years and is set to drive down prices through increased competition.

Jet2's Historic London Gatwick Expansion

Jet2 is establishing its 14th UK base at London Gatwick, deploying six aircraft including five brand-new Airbus A321neo jets to serve 29 sunshine destinations starting March 2026. This makes Jet2 the first major leisure airline to open a base at Gatwick since 2020 and represents the largest new airline arrival at the airport this century.

The inaugural Gatwick flight departs to Tenerife on March 26, 2026, with the Zante route operating weekly every Wednesday throughout the summer season.

Why the New Gatwick to Zante Route Matters

Greater Accessibility for South East Travelers

For the estimated 11 million people living in London and the South East, getting to Zante just became significantly easier. Previously, travelers from South London, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent often faced lengthy journeys to Stansted or Luton airports, or had to rely solely on easyJet's Gatwick services. Jet2's arrival provides a crucial alternative, particularly for travelers south of the Thames who can now access Zante with a convenient Wednesday departure without crossing London.

Premium Service at Competitive Prices

Jet2 has built its reputation on award-winning customer service, generous baggage allowances, and complimentary refreshments - a stark contrast to ultra-low-cost carriers. The airline was recently named Most Trusted Travel Company at the Sun Travel Awards, and Jet2holidays secured Best Short Haul Operator. South East travelers can now access this premium experience without the traditional price premium, thanks to intensified route competition.

Modern, Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

The five Airbus A321neo aircraft being deployed at Gatwick represent a significant upgrade in passenger experience. These state-of-the-art jets offer 232 seats with improved cabin comfort, 50% lower noise levels, and 20% better fuel efficiency compared to older aircraft, translating to a more pleasant journey and potentially lower operating costs that can be passed to consumers.

How Competition Will Drive Down Zante Flight Prices

The Economics of Route Competition

The London to Zante route is about to become one of the most competitive in the UK leisure market. Here's why this benefits holidaymakers:

Multiple Carrier Competition: Gatwick now hosts both easyJet and Jet2 flying to Zante, while TUI operates from various London airports. This multi-carrier environment typically reduces average fares by 15-25% compared to monopoly routes, according to Civil Aviation Authority data.

Capacity Increases: Jet2's A321neo aircraft adds 232 additional weekly seats to the Gatwick-Zante route. When supply increases while demand remains relatively constant, basic economics dictates that prices must fall to fill seats, particularly during shoulder season periods.

Dynamic Pricing Pressure: Airlines continuously monitor competitor pricing. When Jet2 launches promotional fares to establish market share, easyJet will be forced to match or undercut these prices. This creates a beneficial pricing war for consumers, especially during the booking window 3-6 months before travel.

Historical Evidence from Previous Jet2 Launches

When Jet2 launched operations at London Luton in April 2025, average fares on competing routes dropped by approximately 18% within the first three months, according to industry analysts. Established carriers like easyJet reduced prices to maintain market share, while Jet2 offered aggressive introductory pricing to build customer loyalty.

The same pattern occurred when Jet2 opened bases at Bournemouth and Bristol. Competition consistently benefits consumers through lower average fares, more frequent sales, and improved service standards across all carriers.

Peak Season vs. Off-Peak Benefits

Competition particularly benefits travelers during:

• Shoulder Season (May and September): Airlines compete aggressively to fill capacity during quieter periods, with fare reductions of 20-30% typical

• Mid-Week Travel: Wednesday departures (Jet2's Zante day) traditionally see lower demand, meaning competitive pricing to attract leisure travelers

• Early Booking Incentives: Multiple carriers offering early bird discounts creates genuine choice and price comparison opportunities

What This Means for Your 2026 Zante Holiday

More Flight Options and Flexibility

South East travelers now have genuine choice when booking Zante flights from Gatwick. If easyJet's schedule doesn't suit, Jet2 provides an alternative. This flexibility is invaluable for families, workers with limited holiday dates, or those seeking specific departure times.

Improved Service Standards

Competition elevates service across the board. When Jet2 - known for complimentary drinks, generous baggage, and customer-focused policies - enters a route, existing carriers often enhance their offerings. Even if you don't fly Jet2, you benefit from improved overall service standards.

Package Holiday Competition

Jet2holidays entering the Gatwick market intensifies competition with TUI, easyJet holidays, and other operators. Package deals to Zante will become more competitive, with operators bundling better hotels, transfers, and extras to differentiate their offerings.

Stronger Consumer Position

With multiple carriers competing for your business, travelers gain negotiating power. Price comparison becomes meaningful, and airlines must work harder to earn customer loyalty through competitive pricing, superior service, and flexible booking policies.

Booking Strategy for the Best Zante Deals in 2026

To maximize savings from this increased competition:

1. Book Early for Peak Season: Secure July and August travel between January and March 2026 when early bird promotions are strongest

2. Monitor Multiple Carriers: Set price alerts for both easyJet and Jet2 flights to identify the best deal. Don't assume one carrier is always cheaper.

3. Consider Mid-Week Departures: Jet2's Wednesday Zante service may offer better value than weekend departures

4. Watch for Launch Promotions: Jet2 typically offers aggressive introductory pricing when launching new routes - expect special offers in late 2025 and early 2026

5. Be Flexible with Dates: Even a few days' flexibility can unlock significant savings when multiple carriers are competing

The Broader Impact on Zante Tourism

This development signals strong confidence in Zante's appeal to UK holidaymakers. The island's combination of stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife in Laganas, and family-friendly resorts continues to attract hundreds of thousands of British visitors annually.

Improved accessibility from London Gatwick will likely increase visitor numbers, benefiting the local economy while maintaining Zante's position as one of Greece's premier holiday destinations. More flights mean better connectivity, encouraging both first-time visitors and repeat travelers to choose Zante for their summer holidays.

Conclusion: A Win for Zante-Bound Travelers

Jet2's announcement of London Gatwick to Zante flights represents a significant positive development for UK holidaymakers. The combination of increased capacity, genuine carrier competition, and improved service standards will drive down average flight prices while enhancing the overall travel experience.

For South East travelers, this means easier access to one of Greece's most popular islands at more affordable prices. The competitive pressure created by Jet2's entry will benefit all consumers, regardless of which airline they ultimately choose.

As the 2026 summer season approaches, smart travelers will monitor both carriers' pricing, take advantage of early booking promotions, and enjoy the benefits of a genuinely competitive route where airlines must compete for business through better prices and superior service.

Key Takeaways:

• Jet2 launches London Gatwick to Zante route in March 2026 with weekly Wednesday flights

• First major leisure airline at Gatwick since 2020, flying five new Airbus A321neo aircraft

• Competition with existing carriers expected to reduce average fares by 15-25%

• South East travelers gain easier access and genuine choice for Zante holidays

• Book early in 2026 to secure the best prices as carriers compete for market share