Jet2 flies higher amid summer bookings bounce

Airline and package holiday provider Jet2 says it is on track for a stronger winter after chalking up higher summer bookings.

The company says summer 2026 travel passengers have increased 8.8 per cent year-on-year.

Bosses at the Leeds-headquartered operator say the numbers include growth across its package holidays and flight-only deals.

They add the firm’s load factor – a key metric for airlines showing the average proportion of seats filled on flights – was 1.5 percentage points ahead of last summer.

The carrier also said seat capacity for winter 2026-2027 was currently eight per cent higher than the previous year at 5.9 million seats after expanding at London Gatwick Airport.

Travel disruption caused by the Middle East conflict and jet fuel supply shortages pushing up costs for airlines have contributed to increased nervousness among holidaymakers.

However, Jet2 said it had been able to largely hedge against higher jet fuel costs for the financial year, which provided “cost certainty”.

Steve Heapy, chief executive, said he had been “encouraged by the sustained level of demand for both holiday products through the peak summer season, which gives us confidence for the remainder of the financial year”.

Meanwhile, the firm has announced its intention to move from the Alternative Investment Market to the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

It said the switch reflects “the scale of the business, its proven track record of delivery and the opportunities that lie ahead”.

Jet2’s update comes after rival carrier Ryanair earlier this week warned competitors could “struggle to maintain capacity or even survive” over the winter if oil prices remain high.

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