Delta’s warning about short-term airport schedule tweaks comes as the airline makes broader network changes. The Atlanta-based airline is ending its seasonal service to London Gatwick (LGW), dropping the New York (JFK) – Gatwick route it operated during the summer. The move cuts the carrier’s only connection to the U.K.’s second-busiest airport.
Often viewed as a unicorn amid the many daily U.S.–London services, Delta’s Gatwick flight will be discontinued as the carrier shifts to its far larger hub at Heathrow (LHR).
Delta’s strategic shift also comes just ahead of a new U.K. travel requirement taking effect in early 2026, one that will directly affect American and Canadian visitors. Here’s why Delta has decided to end the JFK-Gatwick route, why now, and what the United Kingdom’s upcoming travel requirement means for American travelers.
Delta Air Lines Has Fully Canceled Its “Unicorn” Route From JFK To London Gatwick Right Before The U.K. Changes Its Entry Rules For Americans
Among the hundreds of daily U.S.–London flights, Delta’s New York–Gatwick service stood out as a rare offering and was increasingly labeled a “unicorn” by industry analysts.
Delta confirmed on Tuesday its decision to focus on the region’s far larger Heathrow Airport (LHR) hub.
Travelers who need to fly to Gatwick (LGW) from the New York (JFK) route will need to find alternative carriers.
Delta made the tactical decision to discontinue the Gatwick route just before a new travel requirement becomes effective in early 2026, which American travelers heading to the United Kingdom must follow as of next year.
The U.K.’s New Travel Rule Will Soon Apply To Americans—But That’s Not Why Delta Canceled Its JFK-Gatwick Route
Starting in early 2026, travelers, including Americans and Canadians, must comply with a new U.K. entry requirement; those who don’t may be denied boarding at their departure point and refused entry on arrival.
The New ETA Rule To Enter The U.K.
Effective February 25, 2026, Americans and Canadians will not be able to enter the U.K. without obtaining digital permission via two methods: an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) or an e-Visa, according to a press release from the British government on November 24. From next year, Americans must obtain an ETA before departure to the UK, and pay the £16 ($21) application fee.
“No permission, no travel,” the U.K. government’s press release warns. “From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the UK without advance permission,” the release mentioned.
Delta’s timing aligns with the rollout of the U.K.’s new rule, though it’s unlikely that the policy played a role in the route’s closure. So, why did Delta Air Lines decide to cancel this so-called unicorn route from JFK to London Gatwick? The airline has explained its reasons in a statement.
Why Delta Canceled The JFK-London Gatwick Route For 2026
After an initial service in 2007, Delta Air Lines resumed the JFK–Gatwick seasonal service during summer, on April 10, 2023, after a 15-year gap. At the time, Gatwick made business sense with lower operational costs, easier slot availability, and often lower fares than the busier, more congested Heathrow-to-JFK flights—the busiest route in the transatlantic market.
However, industry watcher Ishrion Aviation first reported that those flights will not return next year in 2026. A Delta spokesperson said in a statement to The Points Guy that the move reflects current market demand.
According to the spokesperson, the decision was to “align our flying with market demand,” and confirmed that the carrier will continue to fly its twice-daily service between JFK and London’s Heathrow airports from April to October.
Barring any new entrants to the market, Delta’s move away from Gatwick will leave Norwegian low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways as the only airline flying from JFK to Gatwick.
Delta will also continue to fly nonstop to London Heathrow from all its international hubs, except LAX (Los Angeles).
According to Simple Flying, Delta’s withdrawal from London Gatwick also reflects a broader softening in transatlantic demand, particularly among travelers from Western Europe since the start of the year.
Other Airlines Are Also Moving Away From London Gatwick
Delta Air Lines isn’t the only carrier stepping back from Gatwick, even as it remains the largest base for British low-cost carrier EasyJet.
In the first half of 2026, U.S.–LGW flights will fall by more than 25% compared with 2025.
Airlines pulling away from Gatwick routes:
- British Airways will end service to JFK in 2026
- British Airways will end service to Las Vegas in 2026
- JetBlue ended service to JFK in 2024
There are a few Gatwick routes that will remain in place:
- Norse Atlantic Airways from JFK (New York, New York)
- Norse Atlantic Airways from LAX (Los Angeles, California)
- British Airways from MCO (Orlando, Florida)
- British Airways from TPA (Tampa, Florida)
- JetBlue from BOS (Boston, Massachusetts)
Ultimately, Delta Air Lines will drop its seasonal “unicorn” New York–Gatwick service, saying the shift reflects market demand and allows the carrier to redirect capacity to London Heathrow, where demand is stronger.
The move is strategically timed just ahead of the U.K.’s new ETA rule that requires all Americans to comply before entering the country.
