Gatwick Airport is continuing to attract long-haul routes, with a route to Addis Ababa due to start this winter.
This will increase the choice of long-haul destinations operated from Gatwick Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines will operate the service to Addis Ababa. The new route will operate three times per week from 21 November, with tickets on sale.
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.
In addition, there are upcoming network launches from Norse Atlantic to the US and Caribbean, British Airways to Accra, Ghana and Air Mauritius are also due to take off in October, with daily flights to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
In Quotes
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.”
Growing out the Gatwick Network
Gatwick’s impact by the pandemic was hard, given that airlines slashed services, with long haul carriers the first to walk away. The airport has been busy regaining traffic and new routes, with them reporting that they offer more than 80% of its pre-Covid long-haul routes.
There’s still a way to go, as the airport seeks to expand and bring its second runway into use.
With the airport able to serve the South of England, as well as the Greater London area, it still is an important transportation node for visitors to the United Kingdom.
Providing it can offer relevant slots to airlines , there’s no reason to belive it can scale back to 100% soon.
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