Gatwick Airport Announces New Long-Haul Routes

Wednesday, 9 August 2023 12:09

Gatwick Airport's announced passengers can again travel to a choice of 50 long-haul destinations, after the airport landed a new Ethiopian Airlines service to Addis Ababa.

It means that the airport is now offering more than 80% of its pre-Covid long-haul routes, according to officials.

The new route is set to operate three times per week from 21 November. It is Gatwick’s first direct flight to the Ethiopian capital since 2006 and becomes the latest of several new long-haul services to start before the end of the year.

Following Norse Atlantic launching five new US routes from London Gatwick earlier this year, the airline is due to start operating to Miami and Boston in September, before adding Kingston, Montego Bay and Bridgetown in October.

British Airways will also start flying between London Gatwick and Accra, Ghana in October, following new flights to Las Vegas and Vancouver earlier this year.

Air Mauritius is also due to take off in October, with daily flights to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said:

“Returning to 50 long-haul routes is a milestone moment for London Gatwick. While we’re delighted to offer passengers such an expansive range of short-haul routes across Europe, we’re also proud to provide connections to an increasing range of destinations around the world.

“These services are vital not only for offering people across London and the South East an excellent choice of holiday locations, or for visiting family and friends, but also for supporting local and regional businesses. Whether that’s outbound trade or inbound tourism, growing London Gatwick’s long-haul network is crucial for economic opportunities across the region.

“We look forward to welcoming Ethiopian Airlines to London Gatwick. This is the latest in a number of carriers looking to operate long-haul routes from Gatwick, which further highlights the strong demand for slots at our airport.”

London Gatwick's planning application to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use was recently accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).