The new route will start from June 2026 although flight prices are yet to be confirmed.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, CEO, London Gatwick said: “The new daily service will provide excellent opportunities to visit the city or onward connectivity across the region – ideal for holidaymakers, businesses and the many British‑Malaysian families who will now have even better options for visiting friends and relatives.”
One of the biggest new additions to London Gatwick is Jet2, which is launching its first ever flights for London Gatwick.
The first take taking off next month, with flights to Tenerife on March 26.
However, this is just one of 29 new routes from the airline connecting to Europe.
This includes flights to Spain, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and Cyprus.
One of the longest new Jet2 flights will be to Turkey, flying to Antalya.
Ryanair and Jet2 have similar rules(Image: Dmitri Zelenevski via Getty Images)
Certain passengers flying with Ryanair and Jet2 will need an extra document to board their flights, according to similar terms and conditions published on both airlines’ websites.
NHS guidance states that most women can fly safely “well into their pregnancy, with the proper precautions such as travel insurance”. And travellers are urged to “make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.”
While airlines typically adopt similar positions regarding pregnant passengers at different stages, each carrier has its own specific guidance. For instance, beyond a particular point in pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 must provide medical documentation – or they risk being denied boarding.
Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once the 28-week mark is reached “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Its website further explains: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”
Jet2 has a similar policy, and information on its website reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).
“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”
Elsewhere, easyJet advice suggests that “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” but adds: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.
“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.
TUI and easyJet, however, do allow the popular item to be brought onto flights
Jet2 and Ryanair have different rules(Image: GordZam via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers might be surprised to learn they’re banned from taking a commonplace item, which usually sets you back around £3, on board Ryanair or Jet2 planes. But the same item is perfectly acceptable on easyJet or TUI flights.
Different airlines have varying rules, and while many policies overlap between carriers, some specific rules can catch passengers off guard depending on which operator you’ve booked with. Travellers jetting off abroad frequently browse airport terminal shops and eateries, purchasing everything from duty-free products to snacks, drinks and more.
However, if you’re intending to splash out in the departure lounge, you ought to be aware that a specific purchase is not allowed on Ryanair or Jet2 services. Many passengers crave a caffeine hit while on the move, and airports typically offer numerous outlets selling coffee or other hot beverages, generally priced from approximately £3.
But you’ll have to drink your hot beverage before boarding Ryanair or Jet2 planes, as laid out in their respective regulations. Ryanair confirms it “cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks” due to safety reasons, while Jet2’s website explicitly states: “You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft”.
If you’re jetting off with TUI or easyJet, though, you can take your terminal-bought coffee on board, as long as it’s got a secure lid on it. Meanwhile, post-Brexit regulations dictate that certain other items bought before departure aren’t allowed to accompany you into EU countries, and this applies no matter which carrier you’re flying with, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Whether you’ve picked them up at the airport or not, taking meat or dairy products into the EU – even if they’re part of a sandwich – is absolutely forbidden.
TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 warning over common children’s toy that’s banned on flights – The Mirror
Need to know
Parents are being warned ahead of the February half-term holiday about a common children’s toy that is banned from all major airlines, including TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2
Parents are warned of a common kids’ toy that is banned in hand luggage(Image: Getty Images)
Warning for children’s toy banned on flights
All airlines have luggage restrictions that every passenger must abide by. This includes requirements for travelling with liquids, food and baby formula, and electronic devices
The luggage restrictions included banned items, including sharp and dangerous objects, as well as liquids over 100ml, although the liquid rule has changed at some UK airports
Many passengers are often aware of the common restrictions, but there are some that could come as a surprise, and might seem a little unusual
One of the items banned from all flights is toy guns and weapons, including replicas, which is often a common toy among kids, particularly after a trip to somewhere like Disneyland, where souvenirs are available to buy
Anyone boarding a flight with a toy gun or weapon is likely to have it confiscated, even if it belongs to a child and is just a toy
TUI outlines the restriction on “Toy guns, replicas, and imitation firearms that could be mistaken for real weapons”, under its dangerous and prohibited articles. They confirm they are not allowed to be carried through security or onto the plane
EasyJet states that “toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons” are banned from hand luggage. However, toy guns can be carried in hold baggage
Ryanair affirms that “toy guns (including recreational guns such as paintball guns), replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons” are prohibited on board and in checked baggage
Jet2 states that firearms, including those that are toys, are “forbidden for carriage”
The ban applies to other major airlines, but it is best to check directly with the company for their restrictions and guidance on certain items before travelling
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Avoid paying a massive fee at the airport gates by checking your cabin bag size before you fly. With half term on the way, here’s the latest sizing regulations for some of the most popular airlines
Cabin baggage allowances can vary hugely by airline(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
One thing that often catches passengers out when flying on budget airlines is cabin baggage allowances. On busy flights, it’s common to see the dreaded bag sizer coming out, and being over just a centimetre can mean you end up paying a massive fee to check your bag at the gate.
To make things even more confusing, cabin bag size allowances change all the time, so even if you’re a frequent flyer, you can get caught out. It’s always best to check the size of the cabin bag that’s included with your ticket just before you go, so you can avoid hassle at the gates.
It’s also much cheaper to pay for extra bags when you book your flight, not once you’re at the airport, so always make sure you’ve booked the amount you need in advance.
Ryanair is notorious for strictly enforcing cabin baggage sizes, and if you’re taking a bag on board, you should make sure you get the tape measure out and check the dimensions before you head to the airport.
However, there’s good news for Ryanair passengers: the free underseat bag included in its basic fare can now be slightly larger. Previously, this small bag had to fit in a sizer with the dimensions of 40 x 25 x 20 cm, but since summer 2025 it can now be up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. These free bags need to fit under the seat in front of you, and usually people bring a handbag, laptop bag, or small rucksack.
Technically, there’s no weight limit on these small bags, as long as they fit under the seat, but passengers will need to be able to carry and handle them, and an excessively heavy bag could be noticed by flight attendants.
Passengers can also pay to bring a second cabin bag of up to 55 x 40 x 20cm onboard with them, and this bag has a weight limit of 10KG. Passengers will need to lift this bag into the overhead locker above them, so bear this in mind when packing. If you prefer to check a bag, you can add a 10KG, 20KG, or 23KG bag to the hold. Prices vary depending on route and availability.
EasyJet
Budget airline easyJet is also known for strictly monitoring bag sizes, and you’ll see lots of orange sizers around the airport so you can check whether your luggage will fit. However, it’s best to measure bags at home when they’re packed so you can adjust accordingly.
Everyone who flies with easyJet gets one small underseat cabin bag included in the price. This can be up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm in size, and easyJet states it can’t exceed 15KG in weight.
Customers also have the option to book a second cabin bag of 56 x 45 x 25 cm maximum, including handles and wheels. As a bonus, if you book a second bag, you get speedy boarding included. When booking your flight, you also have the option to pay for up to three checked bags of 15KG, 23KG, or a whopping 32KG. Some airports offer a twilight bag drop for passengers on early flights, meaning you can check your luggage the night before heading off and head straight for security in the morning.
Jet2
Whether you’ve booked a package holiday with Jet2, or just a flight, cabin baggage allowances are the same. You get a small bag of 40 x 30 x 20cm, which must fit under the seat, and the price also includes a 10KG piece of hand luggage of up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Again, you must ensure measurements include handles, wheels, and other fixtures.
Package holidays include 22KG of checked baggage, but if you’ve only booked a flight, you can still add a checked bag for a fee. Passengers can buy up to three bags of 22KG in weight, perfect for those who don’t like to travel light.
Families travelling with young kids can also bring a collapsible pushchair, car seat, and/or travel cot free of charge.
British Airways
British Airways (BA)’s economy basic fare includes a handbag and a cabin bag. The former can be up to 40 x 30 x 15cm in size and needs to easily fit under the seat in front, while cabin bags can be up to 56 x 45 x 25cm in size. However, BA can only guarantee that the smaller item will be allowed on board. If there’s not enough space in the overhead locker, your cabin bag may need to go in the hold.
BA also offers a range of options for checked bags, depending on the flight route you take and which classes are available. Economy with checked bag includes a 23KG bag in the hold, and unlike most airlines, BA put a size restriction on these checked bags of 90 x 75 x 43cm. Those lucky enough to fly business or first class get much bigger allowances.
If you’ve booked a flight only on TUI Airways, you’ll get a piece of hand luggage of up to 10KG in weight for free, and this can measure up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. You can also bring a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag of up to 40 x 30 x 20cm that’s placed under the seat in front of you. TUI emphasises that passengers must be able to lift their hand luggage into overhead storage compartments themselves.
Customers can also add a checked bag when booking their flight, with prices depending on the route and availability. However, if you book a package holiday through TUI and are flying with its airline, then 20KG of checked luggage is included. Some holiday types, such as TUI BLUE or cruises, have a 25KG allowance, so it’s worth checking your booking confirmation before you go.
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Jet2 has announced a change to their flights between July and September following high demand from holidaymakers
Jet2 has issued an update on its summer flights(Image: Bradley Caslin via Getty Images)
Jet2 has unveiled a significant change to its schedule ahead of the busy summer getaway period. The budget airline is boosting its flight schedule during July, August and September.
The airline opted to implement this change after experiencing substantial demand from travellers. Jet2 will now provide additional flights to Greece departing from Birmingham Airport this summer.
The company has added extra capacity to Crete and Santorini throughout July to September this year. This development establishes Jet2 as the largest Greek operator from the Midlands airport.
The sun-soaked Greek isles are experiencing tremendous appeal amongst British holidaymakers. Jet2 states its move will grant Brits “even more choice and flexibility” when travelling to the popular destination.
They operate services to 15 Greek locations from Birmingham Airport. These encompass Athens, Corfu, Crete (Chania), Crete (Heraklion), Kalamata, Kefalonia, Kos, Lesvos (Mytilene), Preveza, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos, Thessaloniki (Halkidiki) and Zante, reports the Express.
This means Jet2 is now providing more than 2.5million seats from Birmingham Airport this summer spanning 62 routes.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, commented: “Greece is an enormously popular destination, and it continues to appeal to customers and independent travel agents looking to enjoy some much-needed sunshine.
“As the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator, we know just how much holidaymakers love these Greek destinations, and we are delighted to be once again stepping in to meet demand.
“We have an unrivalled programme on sale to Greece for Summer 26 from Birmingham Airport and are now expanding that to give customers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility with the addition of extra flights to Crete (Chania) and Santorini.”
Jet2’s additional summer routes
Crete (Chania) – There will be additional weekly Wednesday services from Birmingham Airport from July 1 to September 23.
Santorini – There will be additional Thursday services from July 2 to September 24.
SPAIN has always been a top holiday destination for Brits – but is quickly being taken over by a number of other destinations.
According to Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy, Spain has lost its appeal to holidaymakers with other destinations coming for its crown thanks to rising costs.
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Spain is losing its appeal to Brits according to Jet2 boss thanks to rising costsCredit: AlamyMr Heapy predicts Brits will ditch Spain for Morocco, Tunisia and EgyptCredit: Alamy
In an interview with Hosteltur, Mr Heapy predicted that Brits are ditching Spain for other destinations, all in North Africa.
In places like Barcelona, the surcharge for overnight stays is rising to €5 £4.34) per night.
In the Balearic Islands like Majorca and Ibiza, there’s an eco-tax added to accommodation which ranges between €1 (87p) to €4 (£3.47)pppn.
It will soon also be more expensive to fly to Spain, as previously reported, Aena, which operates the majority of airports in Spain, is increasing its airport charges by 6.44 per cent in 2026.
With the increase in cost, Mr Heapy said that Brits are heading to other locations instead – which are still just a few hours away from the UK.
He said: “North Africa is performing well, with Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt standing out.”
Morocco is a great option for Brits, especially those seeking winter sun – and some destinations are less than an hour from the UK.
A flight from the UK to the vibrant city of Marrakesh takes just three hours and 40 minutes.
In February there are highs of 21C – much warmer than being in the UK at that time of year.
It’s cheap too, according to Skyscanner you can fly with Ryanair from London Stansted from just £15 on February 23, 2026.
On that same day, it’s more expensive to fly to Madrid which is £17 – and the journey is one hour less.
Other popular destinations in Morocco include Agadir which has beautiful golden beaches, the country’s capital Rabat, Essaouira on the southern coast, Fez and Tangier.
Marrakesh has lots of vibrant streets and souks to exploreCredit: AlamyThe Red Sea coast promises warm weather to Brits wanting guaranteed sunCredit: Alamy
Tunisia is also back in the game according to Jet2’s Mr Heapy.
The number of Brits heading on holiday there has risen significantly with around 350,000 British visiting in 2024 – 65 per cent more than the previous year.
And numbers are rising thanks to its great weather, short flights and beautiful beaches.
You can pick up booze for less than £5 – from local beer to wine, she said “you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.”
Coffee can be bought up for around 80p if you like an espresso – or coffee with milk – called a ‘galão’ – will usually come in at under two euros.
