Gatwick Adds AnimaWings Route Linking London and Bucharest

London Gatwick is set to strengthen its Central and Eastern European network in March 2026 as Romanian airline AnimaWings launches a new six-times-weekly Bucharest route, bringing a rare combination of full-service comforts and sharp fares to one of Europe’s busiest travel corridors.

New Full-Service Player on the Gatwick–Bucharest Corridor

Publicly available schedules indicate that AnimaWings will begin operating direct flights between Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and London Gatwick on 22 March 2026. The service is scheduled to run six days a week, every day except Saturday, giving both business and leisure travellers a near-daily option on the route.

Industry route data shows that the flights will be operated with Airbus A220-300 aircraft, a new-generation narrowbody known for its quieter cabins and improved fuel efficiency. The deployment of this type reflects a broader trend at Gatwick, where newer jets are increasingly being used to meet demand while supporting environmental targets.

According to information shared by Romanian and UK aviation outlets, the new service will restore a direct link operated by a Romanian carrier after the country’s flag airline withdrew its London Heathrow flights in late 2024. For Romanian travellers in particular, the move reintroduces a nationally owned option on one of the country’s most important international routes.

Operational details published by specialist schedule trackers point to a mix of morning and evening departures, designed to allow same-day turnarounds in both directions. This pattern is expected to appeal to corporate travellers shuttling between the two capitals as well as tourists seeking flexible departure times.

Affordable Fares with Full-Service Inclusions

Information released to Romanian travel media indicates that AnimaWings is positioning the Bucharest–Gatwick link as an affordable yet full-service alternative to the dominant low-cost offering between the UK and Romania. Reported entry-level one-way fares from around 65 euros are described as including cabin baggage, free seat selection, hot meals on board, and both online and airport check-in.

This bundled approach contrasts with many low-cost competitors serving Romanian routes, where passengers often pay extra for basic add-ons such as seat choice, larger hand baggage, or airport check-in. For budget-conscious travellers who still value a more traditional onboard experience, the AnimaWings model aims to bridge the gap between legacy carriers and ultra-low-cost airlines.

Publicly available fleet information shows that AnimaWings intends to offer a three-cabin layout on the A220-300, featuring business class, premium economy and standard economy seating. That configuration is relatively unusual on short- and medium-haul flights serving Gatwick and may appeal to passengers seeking more space or added benefits on the sub-three-hour journey to Romania.

Industry observers note that combining a competitive fare structure with full-service elements could intensify price and product competition on London–Romania routes. Travel agencies and fare comparison platforms are expected to highlight the inclusive nature of the AnimaWings ticket when the route opens for broader distribution.

Boost for Gatwick’s European Connectivity Strategy

The arrival of AnimaWings forms part of a wider expansion of airlines and destinations at Gatwick in 2026, described in airport and trade publications as one of the most significant growth phases in recent years. Reports on the airport’s upcoming schedule outline the addition of several new carriers and routes, underlining Gatwick’s strategy to broaden its international portfolio and reduce reliance on any single market segment.

Travel and aviation industry coverage notes that AnimaWings will be among a group of new and returning airlines that collectively add capacity to both leisure and business destinations across Europe and beyond. For Gatwick, the new Bucharest link not only increases seat numbers but also diversifies the kind of product available, adding another full-service option alongside existing low-cost and hybrid operators.

Market analysis from aviation consultancies suggests that Gatwick’s catchment area, which includes large Romanian and Central and Eastern European communities across London and the South East, is well placed to support a full-service Romanian carrier. The route is expected to cater to visiting friends and relatives, corporate travellers, and tourists drawn to Bucharest’s growing profile as a city-break destination.

Observers also point out that the use of the fuel-efficient A220-300 aligns with Gatwick’s messaging around quieter operations and reduced emissions per seat. As regulators and local communities pay closer attention to airport environmental impacts, airlines deploying newer aircraft types on short- and medium-haul routes may be viewed as better aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.

Romania’s Aviation Landscape Enters a New Phase

The Bucharest–Gatwick launch comes at a time of rapid change in Romania’s aviation sector, where a mix of homegrown and foreign airlines is reshaping connectivity. Publicly available company information describes AnimaWings as a relatively young carrier, founded in 2020 and gradually expanding from charter and regional services into a more robust scheduled network.

In parallel with the London launch, AnimaWings has announced new or expanded routes linking Bucharest to cities such as Geneva, Istanbul and Tel Aviv, as well as domestic and regional services. Coverage in Romanian business and travel media presents these moves as part of a strategy to create a dense network centred on Bucharest, with the UK capital framed as a flagship international destination.

The competitive landscape in Romania remains intense, with established low-cost carriers maintaining a strong presence and the national airline recalibrating its long-haul and European offerings. Analysts following the market argue that a nimble, privately owned full-service carrier could find space in segments where passengers are willing to pay slightly more for comfort and flexibility, particularly on key business and diaspora routes.

For Romania’s wider tourism industry, direct full-service links to major European capitals are often highlighted as a factor in attracting higher-spending visitors and conference traffic. By tying Bucharest more closely to one of the UK’s primary international gateways, the new Gatwick service is expected to support both inbound tourism to Romania and outbound leisure travel from the country.

What Travellers Can Expect When Flights Begin

Based on currently available schedule data, the flight time between Bucharest and Gatwick on the A220-300 is expected to be around three hours, depending on routing and conditions. With early morning and late evening departures timetabled in the initial season, passengers are likely to find options that support weekend breaks, same-day business trips, or longer stays.

Passenger-facing information from AnimaWings indicates that all fares on the route will include at least one piece of cabin baggage and complimentary hot meals, with additional services available for purchase according to cabin and fare type. Business and premium economy travellers can expect more generous seating and enhanced onboard service compared with standard economy.

At Gatwick, public information distributed by the airport suggests that AnimaWings flights will integrate into the existing terminal infrastructure alongside other European carriers, giving passengers access to rail and coach links into central London and beyond. For those connecting to other flights at Gatwick, the new service adds another option for reaching Romania without having to change airports in the capital.

As March 2026 approaches, more detailed operational and timetable information is expected to appear across booking channels and in updated schedules. For now, the confirmed start date and planned frequency underline a clear message for the market: London Gatwick is opening its doors to AnimaWings, and travellers on the Bucharest route will soon have a fresh full-service alternative at competitive prices.