Passengers enjoyed a red carpet, VIP reception and cake, with five groups of lucky guests at each base receiving free pairs of Jet2.com flight vouchers.

In 2017, Jet2 offered 15 destinations from Birmingham and 21 from Stansted; this now stands at 60 from Birmingham and 48 from Stansted, with each base’s route network spanning a wide range of sun, city and ski holiday hotspots.

Alicante has proved most popular among passengers flying from Birmingham over the past five years, and Tenerife for those departing Stansted, Jet2 revealed.

Since 2017, more than five million people have now either flown with Jet2.com or departed on a Jet2holidays package holiday from each base.

Besides celebrating with passengers, Jet2 also honoured staff and crew who have been with the airline and operator since it first launched flights and holidays from Birmingham and Stansted five years ago.

Heapy, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief executive, said: "Since we first launched from these bases, we have grown considerably and this is all down to the support and loyalty from holidaymakers and independent travel agents, as well as our fantastic colleagues.

“In addition to looking back over the years, we are also looking towards the future with confidence and positivity," Heapy added.

Birmingham airport chief executive Nick Barton said: “The airline has shown its support to the region over the past five years offering more than five million customers the chance to travel to a variety of destinations.

"Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ customer service is exemplary, and this is reflected with their loyal customer base. We look forward to working with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays as a partner airline for years to come.”

Stansted managing director Steve Griffiths added: "Over the past five years, we have seen the demand for the airline’s flights and holidays grow significantly at Stansted due to their huge popularity with passengers from across our region.

"We look forward to working together in the future to build on this success and celebrate more milestones in the years ahead.”