Jet2 has promised to ‘continue to offer value for money’ to customers in what it says is an ‘increasingly competitive market’.
The company made the commitment in its interim statement for the year ending 31 March 2026, in which it confirmed it has increased capacity by 8% this summer, even though the market for short to mid-haul beach destinations is up only 5.5%.
It is concentrating growth at its newest bases, Bournemouth, London Luton and soon-to-launch London Gatwick, where it will add 1.1 million seats. It plans ‘measured growth’ of 2%, or 0.4m seats, at its remaining, more established bases.
“As a result, our on-sale capacity for summer 2026 is 8% higher than summer 2025, at 20m seats, against total UK market growth to short/mid-haul beach destinations currently estimated at approximately 5.5%,” Jet2 said.
“We are investing in load factor and remain committed to pricing that is attractive and represents real value to our customers. These actions will ensure that Jet2 has the right foundations to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
“Our booked-to-date passengers are up by 7.9% which includes positive growth at our established bases and over 0.26m passengers at Gatwick, with healthy demand for both our leisure travel products. The package holidays mix of total bookings is broadly in line with last year.
“Alongside the operational benefits of the Airbus A321neo, we will also benefit from favourable fuel prices with more than 75% of our FY27 requirement already hedged, which together partially offset hotel accommodation inflation and increased Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon costs.”
It said its profit for this financial year is in line with expectations and it is ‘operationally well-set’ ahead of its Gatwick launch, on 26 March.
In the statement, Jet2 added: “Since our last update in November, winter 2025/26 on sale seat capacity has remained at 5.5m seats, which is 7.4% higher than winter 2024/25. Average pricing for both our leisure travel products has followed a similar trend to summer 2025, with marketing spend being reinvested into pricing to continue to deliver value to our customers.
“Consequently, we currently expect to report operating profit in line with current market expectations. This includes approximately £10m of promotional and resourcing start-up costs ahead of our Gatwick base launch.”
CEO Steve Heapy added: “We are very pleased with how the 2026 financial year is concluding, and are excited about the commencement of operations at Gatwick. For summer 2026, we are satisfied with our bookings to date and remain committed to pricing that is attractive and represents real value to our customers.”
A further update will be provided in April 2026 and Jet2 will announce its preliminary results for the year ending 31 March 2026 on 8 July 2026, which will include a fuller outlook for summer 2026 trading period.
