London Gatwick expands airline network with Gulf Air and over 20 new carriers

This has made it an attractive hub for airlines unable to secure their desired slots at Heathrow.

This expansion supplements its existing double-daily Heathrow flights, enhancing connectivity between London and the Middle East.

Since 2023, over 20 airlines have either launched or resumed Gatwick operations.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reports a shift in airline strategies due to slot constraints at Heathrow, with many opting for cost-effective operations at Gatwick.

Recent Airline Additions:

Key Categories of Airlines Choosing Gatwick: Airlines blocked from Heathrow expansion (e.g., Gulf Air, Kenya Airways) New UK market entrants (e.g., Air Peace) Carriers switching from Heathrow for lower costs (e.g., Air Mauritius, ITA Airways) Specialized/niche operators (e.g., flyErbil, SkyAlps)

Kenya Airways will resume Gatwick flights on July 2, 2025, marking the first Nairobi-Gatwick connection in over two decades.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) confirms the move comes as Kenya Airways struggled to secure additional Heathrow slots beyond its current daily service.

Kenya Airways UK Expansion:

Despite its success, Gatwick has also lost several carriers, including Azores Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Lufthansa. Additionally, Scoot withdrew its Singapore-Bangkok-Gatwick route in 2022, reflecting the dynamic nature of airline networks.

As demand for Middle East, Asia, and Africa connectivity grows, Gatwick is set to remain a key player in UK aviation.