Jet2 launches flights and holidays from Gatwick to 29 destinations – see the full list

Britain’s largest tour operator has announced it will launch flights and holidays from Gatwick airport.

Jet2 has secured slots for six aircraft "following the release of additional capacity" by the UK's second busiest airport.

The operator will base five Airbus A321neo aircraft at the West Sussex airport, with a further aircraft positioned overseas.

Its first Gatwick flight will depart to Tenerife, Spain, on March 26 next year.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, said: "Today's announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2.

"For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service-led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK's largest beach and city leisure destination airport.

"We know all too well how much demand there is among customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs."

Gatwick will become the 14th UK airport with a Jet2 base.

The company is initially offering flights from Gatwick to 29 "sunshine destinations" in countries such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Italy.

It said more than 300 direct jobs will be created in the region around Gatwick across roles including pilots, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations, with an additional hundreds of indirect jobs also generated.

Gatwick chief executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit said: "We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers.

"Jet2's arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick's vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.