US carrier Delta has announced its return to London's Gatwick Airport after a hiatus of over a decade. The airline relaunched year-round flights from Gatwick to New York JFK as part of its expansion of transatlantic services ahead of summer 2023, due to growing demand for travel between the UK and US. The return of the airline’s service coincides with its 45th anniversary of serving the UK-US market.

Nicolas Ferri, Delta Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India said: “Delta started flying to the UK 45 years ago this month at Gatwick and so it is fitting that we are restarting our operations from Gatwick to the United States.”

Gatwick CEO Stuart Wingate also added that Delta’s return “underlines the competitiveness and the operational capabilities” of the airport. “Delta is a huge name in the transatlantic market and being able to offer passengers across London and the south-east the opportunity to travel with them between Gatwick and New York City is fantastic, providing not only wider choice, but further competition.”

Recent announcements from Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Delta Air showcase the resilience and adaptability of the aviation industry. As the sector recovers, airlines focus on enhancing their service offerings and expanding their route networks to meet customer needs.