Located approximately 30 miles south of central London in West Sussex, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has evolved from humble beginnings into a major international gateway. As the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the busiest single-runway airport in Europe, Gatwick plays a crucial role in connecting the UK with destinations worldwide.
LGW History
The story of Gatwick Airport began in the late 1920s when the site was first developed as a small aerodrome. In 1930, the Surrey Aero Club was established, serving exclusively as a private flying club for aviation enthusiasts. The facility’s commercial potential was soon recognized, and in 1934, Gatwick was licensed as a public aerodrome, beginning to provide regular air services to destinations including Paris.
A significant milestone in Gatwick’s early development came in 1935 with the construction of the “Beehive” terminal, the world’s first circular terminal building. This innovative structure, along with the newly built Gatwick train station, allowed for the launch of scheduled flights in 1936, including Jersey Airways’ inaugural flight to Paris Le Bourget on May 17, 1936.
During World War II, the airport was requisitioned by the military and operated as RAF Gatwick. Following the war, it returned to civilian use, but the modern Gatwick Airport as we know it today truly took shape in the 1950s. A major redevelopment began in the mid-1950s, involving significant infrastructure changes including the diversion of the A23 London-Brighton trunk road and the River Mole, and the construction of a new 7,000-foot concrete runway built across a former racecourse.
On June 9, 1958, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the newly transformed Gatwick Airport, which claimed to be the first airport terminal in the world to combine air, rail, and road links. Gatwick quickly became a significant player in British aviation, attracting various airlines and expanding its international reach.
The airport’s facilities continued to expand in the following decades. The North Terminal was built in the 1980s on land previously earmarked for a second runway, representing the largest construction project south of London at that time with a cost of £200 million. By the 1990s, Gatwick had established itself as a hub for low-cost carriers, with airlines such as Southwest opening operations in 1996, followed by Spirit in 1999 and JetBlue in 2000.
A significant shift in the airport’s ownership occurred in December 2009 when Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) acquired Gatwick from BAA for £1.51 billion. This change in ownership marked the beginning of a new era of development and modernization for the airport.
LGW Quick Facts & Statistics
- IATA Code: LGW
- ICAO Code: EGKK
- Location: West Sussex, 29.5 miles south of Central London
- Elevation: 203 feet (62 meters) above sea level
- Size: 674 hectares (1,670 acres)
- Ownership: Global Infrastructure Partners-led consortium
- Runway: Main runway length – 3,316 meters (10,879 feet)
- Passenger Volume: Over 41 million passengers (2023)
- Destinations: Serves approximately 225 destinations across 50 countries
- Airlines: Around 50 airlines operate from Gatwick
- Status: Second busiest airport in the UK; busiest single-runway airport in Europe
- Economic Impact: Major contributor to the regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs
- Connectivity: Features the largest rail catchment of any UK airport, with 15 million people within a 60-minute journey
Terminals and Facilities
Gatwick Airport operates with two main terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. These facilities offer a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance the passenger experience.
South Terminal
The South Terminal was Gatwick’s original terminal, opening in June 1958. Following several expansions and renovations, it now covers an area of approximately 160,000 square meters (1.7 million square feet). The terminal features:
- Multiple concourses and satellites
- A comprehensive range of shops and restaurants both landside and airside
- Major airline lounges
- Fully accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
- Baby changing and feeding areas
- Multi-faith prayer room
- Premium security lanes
North Terminal
Constructed in the 1980s and officially opened in 1988, the North Terminal spans roughly 98,000 square meters (1.05 million square feet). A significant extension was opened in November 2011, further enhancing the terminal’s capacity and facilities. Notable features include:
- Pier 6, which opened in May 2005 at a cost of £110 million, adding 11 aircraft stands
- The second-largest passenger bridge in the world, linking the main building to Pier 6
- A wide selection of retail outlets and dining options
- Airline lounges, including the Club Aspire Lounge
- Comprehensive facilities for passengers with special needs
Terminal Connections
Passengers can easily transfer between the two terminals via the free, automated Gatwick Airport Shuttle Transit. This people mover system operates 24/7, providing quick connections with trains running approximately every few minutes.
Additional Facilities
Throughout both terminals, passengers can access a variety of amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi (for up to 90 minutes)
- Currency exchange services
- ATMs and banking facilities
- Left luggage storage
- Premium security lanes
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Special assistance services
- Car rental facilities
A unique historical landmark on the airport grounds is the original “Beehive” terminal building, which is now incorporated into the City Place Gatwick office complex.
Airlines and Destinations
Gatwick serves as a base for numerous airlines and offers an extensive network of routes across the globe. The airport is unique among London’s airports in its representation of the three main airline business models: full-service, low-cost, and charter.
Major Airlines
Gatwick serves as a hub or focus city for several carriers:
- easyJet: Gatwick is one of easyJet’s largest bases, with extensive operations across Europe
- British Airways: Gatwick serves as a secondary London hub for BA
- TUI Airways: Major holiday charter operations
- Norse Atlantic Airways: Long-haul, low-cost carrier offering transatlantic services
Other significant airlines operating at Gatwick include:
- Long-haul carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, WestJet, Air Transat
- European carriers: Vueling, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines
- Regional carriers: Aurigny, Eastern Airways
Terminal Distribution
Airlines are distributed between the two terminals, with some carriers like easyJet operating from both terminals. Generally speaking:
- North Terminal: Home to many long-haul operations including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and WestJet, as well as airlines like Lufthansa and Icelandair
- South Terminal: Hosts British Airways, Vueling, and many European and regional carriers
Destinations
Gatwick provides connections to approximately 225 destinations across 50 countries, making it the UK airport that flies to the most destinations. Key route networks include:
- Extensive European coverage, particularly to leisure destinations around the Mediterranean
- Long-haul services to North America, including the United States and Canada
- Caribbean and Central American destinations
- Middle Eastern connections
- Growing network of African destinations
- Asian services
Ground Transportation
As the first airport in the world with a direct mainline train link and dedicated railway station, Gatwick offers excellent connectivity to London and beyond.
Rail
Gatwick Airport railway station, situated directly beneath the South Terminal, provides convenient access to numerous destinations:
- Gatwick Express: Non-stop service to London Victoria with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes
- Thameslink: Services to London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras, and beyond, including Cambridge and Bedford
- Southern: Connections to London Victoria, Brighton, and various destinations across the South East
- Great Western Railway: Services to Reading and connecting stations
Trains from Gatwick reach central London in just 30 minutes, with services running every 3-4 minutes during peak times. The airport is part of the Oyster and contactless payment network, allowing seamless connections throughout London.
Road
Strategically positioned near major road networks:
- Direct connection to the M23 at Junction 9
- Easy access to the A23 Brighton road
- Connection to the M25 London orbital motorway (10 miles to the north)
Bus and Coach
An extensive network of bus and coach services:
- National Express coaches to various UK destinations
- Metrobus local services connecting to nearby towns
- easyBus services to central London
- Airport Coaches to central London locations
Taxis and Ridesharing
- Official airport taxis available outside both terminals
- Major ridesharing services operate at designated pickup areas
Cycling
Gatwick has better cycle accessibility than other London airports, with a national cycle route running through the airport.
Future Development Plans
Gatwick has ambitious plans to expand its capacity and enhance its facilities in the coming years, centering around the innovative utilization of its existing Northern Runway.
Northern Runway Project
The centerpiece of Gatwick’s expansion strategy is a £2.2 billion project to bring the existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside the Main Runway. Key aspects of this plan include:
- Repositioning the Northern Runway 12 meters north to comply with international safety standards
- Construction beginning potentially in 2025 with completion targeted for the end of the decade
- Capability to handle up to 80 million passengers annually by 2038 (from 41 million in 2023)
- Potential to increase annual flights from 285,000 to 386,000
- Creation of approximately 14,000 new jobs
- Expected contribution of £1 billion annually to the regional economy
- Minimal disruption as most construction will take place within the existing airport boundary
This development received a “minded to approve” letter from the Transport Secretary in February 2025, indicating potential governmental support for the project.
Additional Investments
Beyond the Northern Runway project, Gatwick is implementing a comprehensive £2 billion Capital Investment Programme that includes:
- Pier 6 Extension: A £140 million project to provide eight new aircraft gates, eliminating the need to bus passengers to remote stands
- Sustainability Initiatives: Over £250 million dedicated to meeting the commitment to become a net zero airport by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Airfield Improvements: A £70 million program to rehabilitate taxiways and construct a new Rapid Exit Taxiway
- Parking Enhancements: A £44.2 million multi-story car park in the North Terminal, adding 3,250 spaces
- Retail Upgrades: A £10 million-plus redevelopment of the North Terminal departure lounge
Terminal Connectors
Planned improvements to enhance passenger movement between terminals include the development of enclosed post-security walkways linking Terminals 1 and 2, as well as Terminals 2 and 3, with completion scheduled for late 2027.
Public Transport Enhancements
Gatwick aims to increase the percentage of passengers using public transportation, with targets including:
- Running a train to central London every two and a half minutes by 2024
- Enhancing the train station to provide a better passenger experience
- Improving bus and coach services
Environmental and Community Initiatives
Gatwick is committed to growing responsibly with consideration for environmental impacts and community engagement:
- Targeting net-zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030
- Implementing noise reduction measures and community support programs
- Investing in local infrastructure improvements
- Supporting community initiatives across Surrey, Sussex, and Kent
- Educational programs to inspire and engage young people
As London Gatwick Airport continues to evolve and expand, it remains dedicated to providing efficient, sustainable, and high-quality service to its passengers while serving as a vital economic engine for the South East of England. With its strategic location, extensive connectivity, and ambitious development plans, Gatwick is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a key global gateway in the decades to come.
Keyword: TopAirports