Jet2 to Establish New Base at London Luton Airport

Airline and tour operator Jet2 has selected London Luton Airport to serve as its newest base in the United Kingdom. The company announced plans to operate flights to 17 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, encompassing the Canary Islands, commencing next summer. London Luton Airport is owned by Luton Rising, a company of Luton Borough Council, and managed by a private operator. Hazel Simmons, the Labour leader of the council, commented that this investment is expected to “deliver for our town and neighbouring communities”. Steve Heapy, Jet2’s chief executive, stated that this initiative is projected to generate an initial 125 jobs. Luton Airport reported serving more than 16.2 million passengers in 2023, with easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Tui among the airlines currently based there. Alberto Martin, the airport’s chief executive, described the development as “fantastic news” for travelers and noted that it “marks a major expansion of Jet2’s operations in the south of England”. Mr. Heapy added: “Customers and independent travel agents have been asking us to open at London Luton Airport for many years now.” Jet2 currently operates flights to 12 airports across the UK, maintaining bases at 10 of these locations; however, it does not presently serve Luton. Ms. Simmons affirmed that the announcement would generate “jobs and economic growth”. She further commented, “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.”