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London Gatwick Expands Airline Network

London Gatwick Expands Airline Network

Heathrow might be London’s aviation royalty, but Gatwick is fast becoming the people’s champ. While Heathrow’s slots are scarcer than a seat on the Tube at rush hour, Gatwick has been rolling out the red carpet for airlines that want in on the London action—at a fraction of the cost.

And the latest airline to set up shop? Gulf Air. That’s right, Bahrain’s national carrier is spreading its wings to Gatwick from March 30, 2025, giving Londoners another way to escape to the Middle East that doesn’t involve queuing for hours at Heathrow.

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Gulf Air’s Gatwick Debut: What You Need to Know

Starting next spring, Gulf Air will connect Bahrain (BAH) to Gatwick (LGW) three times a week with its snazzy Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline already flies twice daily from Heathrow, but with Gatwick now in the mix, passengers get more choice, and Gulf Air gets a sweet spot in one of London’s most connected airports.

New Route Details:
Bahrain (BAH) – Gatwick (LGW)
GF9: 01:45 – 06:55 (7h 10m)
GF10: 11:25 – 20:00 (6h 35m)

Translation? An early morning arrival for those who like to start their day fresh in London, and a later flight back for those who want to squeeze in one last afternoon tea before heading to the airport.

Gulf Air isn’t just here for the weekend getaways. These new flights are perfectly timed to connect travelers from South Asia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia—making Gatwick a handy stopover for passengers jetting across continents.

Gatwick’s Airline Boom: Who Else Is Coming to the Party?

Gatwick has been on a bit of a hot streak lately, adding over 20 new and returning airlines since 2023. The airport is capitalizing on Heathrow’s sky-high fees and limited space, attracting carriers looking for a cost-effective London entry point.

Recent Airline Additions:

2025: Gulf Air, Kenya Airways
2024: Air Peace, Atlantic Airways, flyErbil, Iberia Express, ITA Airways, SkyAlps, Uzbekistan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines
2023: Air China, Air India, Air Mauritius, Azerbaijan Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Ethiopian, Norse Atlantic, Saudia, SKY express, UR Airlines, Volotea

What’s the common theme? Airlines that are either:
Blocked from expanding at Heathrow (e.g., Gulf Air, Kenya Airways)
New players testing the UK market (e.g., Air Peace)
Cost-conscious carriers swapping Heathrow for better deals (e.g., ITA Airways, Air Mauritius)
Niche airlines targeting specific markets (e.g., flyErbil, SkyAlps)

Kenya Airways’ Gatwick Comeback—20 Years Later!

After a two-decade absence, Kenya Airways is making a grand return to Gatwick, kicking off Nairobi-London flights on July 2, 2025.

Kenya Airways UK Expansion:

Heathrow: 7 weekly flights
Gatwick: 3 weekly flights (new)

Despite the move, Kenya Airways still falls short of its 2023 peak of 13 Heathrow flights, proving just how fierce the London slot battle really is. But hey, at least now you’ve got options when planning that safari-meets-city-break adventure.

Not Everyone’s Staying: Airlines That Said Goodbye

Of course, not every airline finds its happily-ever-after at Gatwick. Some departures include Azores Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Lufthansa. And Scoot’s Singapore-Bangkok-Gatwick route was short-lived, proving that even in aviation, it’s a game of trial and error.

But Gatwick’s not sweating it. The airport is doubling down on long-haul routes, with both British Airways and Norse Atlantic launching Bangkok flights in 2025—a first for the airport!

The Future of Gatwick’s Expansion

With Heathrow locked in an endless game of musical chairs with airline slots, Gatwick is carving out its own path as a cost-friendly alternative with more flexibility. As demand for flights to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa continues to soar, expect Gatwick to remain a rising star in UK aviation.