Airline and tour operator Jet2 has chosen London Luton Airport as its latest base in the UK.

The company announced that it would serve 17 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, including the Canary Islands, from summer 2025.

The airport is owned by Luton Borough Council, Luton Rising. Council Labor leader Hazel Simmons said the investment would “benefit our town and neighboring communities”.

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said the move would initially create 125 jobs.

Luton Airport said it carried more than 16.2 million passengers in 2023 and airlines already based there include easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and Tui.

Airport chief executive Alberto Martin said it was “fantastic news” for passengers and “marks a major expansion of Jet2’s operations in the south of England”.

Mr Heapy said: “Customers and independent travel agents have been asking us for many years to open at London Luton Airport. »

Jet2 already serves 12 UK airports and has bases at 10 of them – but it does not yet fly to Luton.

Ms Simmons said the news would bring “jobs and economic growth”.

“Employment in and around the airport is already at record levels and today’s announcement will make another major contribution to the next chapter of its continued success.”