Jet2 is set to spark an "air war" at Luton Airport after setting out plans to launch operations from easyJet's home base in just four months.
The Leeds-headquartered carrier will establish its 13th UK base at the Bedfordshire airport, offering flights to 17 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
The move is set to ramp up competition in an already-crowded market as it looks to make a dent in a sector dominated by easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Tui.
The expansion comes as Jet2 continues its growth strategy, following recent launches in Bristol, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
The Leeds-headquartered carrier will establish its 13th UK base at Luton
PAFor its first summer of operations, Jet2 will offer 430,000 seats and operate 36 weekly flights from Luton.
The airline will serve three new exclusive routes to top holiday destinations Madeira, Girona and Verona.
The remaining 14 destinations include eight Spanish locations such as Alicante, Fuerteventura and Tenerife, alongside Portuguese, Greek and Turkish tourist spots.
Steve Heapy, Jet2's chief executive, told The Independent that securing the required arrival and departure slots "was a challenge" - but had been successfully secured for the summer 2025 programme.
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Jet2 saw its revenue rise 24 per cent to £6.2billion in the year ending March 2024
PAHeapy added: "Customers and independent travel agents have been asking us to open at London Luton Airport for many years now, so we know how enormously popular this announcement will be."
The move is initially set to create over 125 jobs at the airport.
"This latest expansion reflects our strategy to be the UK's leading and best leisure travel business," Heapy added.
And it follows a strong performance from Jet2, which saw its revenue rise 24 per cent to £6.2billion in the year ending March 2024.
The arrival of Jet2 is set to create over 125 jobs at the airport
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London Luton Airport, the fifth-busiest in the UK after Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted, carried more than 16.2 million passengers in 2023.
It's currently home to easyJet's headquarters and serves as the main UK base for Wizz Air.
It also holds historical significance as Ryanair's first destination, with the Irish carrier maintaining a significant presence at the airport.
Airline route analyst Sean Moulton said: "Launching at Luton - the home of easyJet, Tui and Wizz UK - demonstrates Jet2 is confident that their brand and product is strong and distinctive to compete against these carriers."
While Alberto Martin, Luton Airport's chief executive, welcomed the announcement, saying: "The arrival of Jet2 is fantastic news for the millions of passengers who choose to fly from the airport each year."
The expansion is also set to create new opportunities for the local supply chain and workforce - and has drawn plaudits from nearby authorities.
Luton Borough Council Labour leader Hazel Simmons said the investment would "deliver for our town and neighbouring communities."
"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," she added.
