London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) has seen a significant boost to its European and medium-haul network this week as airlines finalise their summer 2026 schedules. The announcements, led by the Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, underscore a growing trend of carriers pivoting towards Gatwick to secure growth that remains elusive at a slot-constrained Heathrow.
Eurowings Moves Operations South
In the most notable move of the week, German carrier Eurowings has confirmed it will relocate a substantial portion of its London flying from Heathrow to Gatwick starting 29 March 2026.
The move includes the launch of a 13-times-weekly service to Cologne (CGN), providing a near-double-daily frequency for business and leisure travellers. This will be followed on 13 April by a six-times-weekly service to Stuttgart (STR). Analysts suggest the move is a strategic play to lower operating costs while maintaining high-frequency access to the London market.
Wizz Air Expands XLR Base
Budget giant Wizz Air continues to place its bets on Gatwick’s long-term potential, announcing on 28 January that it will base a third Airbus A321XLR at the airport.
The arrival of the extra-long-range aircraft in September 2026 will facilitate:
- Increased Mid-East Connectivity: Boosting frequencies to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Daily European Rotations: Moving both Valencia and Prague to daily services from 15 September.
2026 Growth Trajectory
The new routes come as Gatwick prepares for a “transformative” spring season. The airport’s aviation development team noted this week that preparations for the arrival of Jet2’s new 29-route base in March remain on schedule.
“The commitment from Eurowings and the continued investment from Wizz Air demonstrate the enduring appeal of Gatwick,” a spokesperson for London Gatwick said. “As we move into 2026, our focus remains on providing the capacity and efficiency that allows our airline partners to thrive.”
Route Announcements
| Airline | Destination | Frequency | Start Date |
| Eurowings | Cologne | 13x Weekly | 29th March 2026 |
| Eurowings | Stuttgart | 6x Weekly | 13th April 2026 |
| Wizz Air | Prague | Daily | 15th September 2026 |
| Air France | Paris CDG | 2x Daily | 29th March 2026 |