Xmas market in Gdansk. Photo: Shutterstock London Gatwick Airport is expanding its route network for the 2026 winter season, adding 10 new routes that will give passengers more options for Christmas getaways, winter sports holidays and trips to warmer destinations.
The additions include four destinations not previously served from the airport: Nuremberg in Germany, Gdansk in Poland, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Chisinau in Moldova. The new services will be operated by easyJet, Jet2, British Airways and Wizz Air.
Christmas in Nuremburg Photo: cgst26 / Shutterstock.comAmong the new short-haul options, easyJet will connect Gatwick with Nuremberg, a popular destination for its traditional Bavarian Christmas markets. Jet2 will launch flights to Gdansk, Poland, whose historic centre, colourful merchant houses and Christmas market have helped make it a popular winter city break.
Wizz Air will introduce a route to Chisinau, Moldova's capital, offering access to its festive light displays, green spaces and extensive underground wine cellars.
The long-haul expansion includes British Airways' new service to Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city. The destination offers access to beaches, wildlife and cultural attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Rovaniemi. Finland. Photo: ShutterstockGatwick will also gain new connections to established winter holiday destinations. British Airways will serve Rovaniemi in Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus and a popular base for Northern Lights trips. AirBaltic will introduce flights to Kuusamo, another Finnish destination attracting winter sports enthusiasts and visitors to the country's national parks.
TUI will add Lyon in France, providing another gateway to the French Alps while also offering access to the city's Christmas markets and annual Festival of Lights.
Barbados. Photo: ShutterstockFor passengers looking to escape the British winter, Wizz Air will launch flights to Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast. British Airways will add Bridgetown in Barbados, while Norse will introduce a service to Phuket in Thailand, expanding Gatwick's options for long-haul beach holidays.
The new services will contribute to Gatwick's network of 229 destinations, comprising more than 50 long-haul routes, over 160 short-haul destinations and 10 domestic connections.
Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development at London Gatwick, said the expansion would give passengers greater choice across both short- and long-haul travel.
He highlighted the range of options available, from winter sunshine and popular ski destinations to European Christmas markets, adding that the additional connections would provide greater flexibility when planning winter holidays.