Ultra low-cost operator Wizz Air has launched the first of 18 new routes from London/Gatwick – within hours of the airport reopening its South Terminal.
Industry bosses are upbeat about air travel recovery alongside the upcoming summer season now that COVID-19 restrictions including the Passenger Local Form and other tests on arrival to the UK have been lifted.
The Hungarian-headquartered carrier is basing four additional Airbus A321neo aircraft at Gatwick, after securing 15 daily slots pairs there, to take its total number of aircraft at the capital facility to five.
Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said: “Through this significant expansion we are reaffirming our commitment to providing low-fare connectivity to our customers in London and the South of England – and we want them to know that WIZZ is here to stay.”
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer, Gatwick Airport said: “We are delighted that Wizz is adding 18 new routes to its Gatwick offer, meaning passengers can now fly from Gatwick with Wizz to a total of 25 popular European destinations. Wizz’s expansion and commitment to Gatwick marks the start of an exciting time for the airport as well as the airline.”
He added that the airline’s route expansion was “also fantastic news for the local economy, with more than 200 jobs created as a direct result of the new services”.
Wizz Air
Services to Bari in Italy, and Funchal, Madeira are launched today with other European destinations following from April 7 onwards including Ghania, Crete, Catania in Italy and Larnaca, Cyprus.
Wizz Air is currently recruiting for cabin and flight crew at Gatwick, and is hosting a series of open recruitment days at the airport in April. The company operates all its flights on 180-seat Airbus A320s, 230-seat A321s and Airbus A320neo aircraft with 186 seats. Airbus A321neo aircraft with 239 seats complete the fleet.
