London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Airport Overview
London Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW, ICAO: EGKK) is the United Kingdom's second-busiest airport and one of the most operationally intensive single-runway airports in the world. Officially known simply as Gatwick Airport, it is located near Crawley in West Sussex, approximately 45 km (28 miles) south of Central London. The airport serves as the primary base for easyJet — Europe's second-largest low-cost carrier — and as a significant hub for British Airways, TUI Airways, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air UK, among others.
In the financial year 2024, Gatwick handled approximately 40.8 million passengers, recovering strongly past pre-pandemic levels and firmly re-establishing itself as Europe's most intensively used single-runway airport. It connects London to over 200 destinations across more than 90 countries, offering a wide mix of short-haul European leisure routes and long-haul services to the Americas, Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Gatwick's long-haul offering includes year-round routes to New York JFK/EWR, Toronto, Cancún, Orlando, Barbados, Jamaica, and various African hubs.
The airport's origins date to 1933, when it opened as a small civil aerodrome. It was substantially reconstructed in the late 1950s and officially reopened by HM The Queen in 1958. A second terminal — the South Terminal — has been the main hub since the 1980s, while the North Terminal opened in 1988 to accommodate the growing charter and scheduled traffic. For decades Gatwick was owned and operated by BAA plc (later Heathrow Airport Holdings), but following a 2009 Competition Commission ruling, it was sold to a GIP-led consortium. In 2024 Vinci Airports completed its acquisition of a majority 50.01% stake in Gatwick, with remaining shares held by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP, now part of BlackRock) and various investors.
A major strategic development is underway: Gatwick's existing standby runway — the Northern Runway — is being upgraded and brought into regular use as a second operational runway. The first phase of this project, enabling the northern runway for routine use, is targeted for completion by 2029, which would increase capacity to approximately 75 million passengers per year and significantly alter Gatwick's competitive position relative to Heathrow.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal Overview
Gatwick has two terminals — North Terminal (NT) and South Terminal (ST) — connected by a free automated people mover (monorail transit) that runs 24 hours a day and takes approximately 3 minutes. The terminals are entirely separate landside and airside; if you arrive at the wrong terminal, you must exit, take the transit, and re-enter security. Always check your ticket for the correct terminal.
South Terminal (ST)
The South Terminal is the original and larger of the two terminals, directly connected to Gatwick Airport Station (where all Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern trains stop). It was substantially rebuilt and modernised in the 2000s and underwent further expansion in the 2010s. ST is home to easyJet — Gatwick's largest operator — as well as several charter and regional carriers.
- Airlines: easyJet (primary base — over 50% of ST movements), TUI Airways, Jet2, Vueling, Corsair, airBaltic, and various charter operators
- Gates: Pier 1 (satellite, connected airside) and Pier 6 (remote stands via buses in some cases)
- Check-in: Zones A–D on the ground floor departures level; extensive self-service kiosks for easyJet and other carriers
- Security: Central security hall with multiple lanes; easyJet fast-track available for purchase; dedicated family lanes
- Lounges (ST):
- No7 Lounge by Aspire (airside, ST) — Priority Pass, Lounge Key, pay-per-use from £35 (~€41). Food, bar, showers.
- easyJet (no dedicated lounge — easyJet does not operate lounges)
- TUI lounge for premium TUI passengers
- Facilities: Boots, WHSmith, World Duty Free, Wetherspoon pub, Wagamama, Pret a Manger, Gordon Ramsay's The Plane Food (airside), multiple coffee shops, Bureau de Change, left luggage, prayer room, baby care rooms
- Station access: Gatwick Airport Station is directly integrated into the ST building (follow signs from check-in level to "Train Station" or "Rail")
North Terminal (NT)
The North Terminal opened in 1988 and was designed to handle the growing volume of scheduled international traffic. It is home to British Airways (the terminal's largest occupant), Wizz Air, Norwegian Air UK, Virgin Atlantic, and several other full-service and low-cost carriers. NT has undergone significant renovation, including the 2016 expansion of its international pier.
- Airlines: British Airways (oneworld), Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian Air UK, Wizz Air, American Airlines (codeshare with BA), Air Transat, Condor, Corsair
- Gates: Pier 5 (the main international pier, connected airside via walkway) and Pier 7 (domestic and some European gates)
- Check-in: Zones E–J; British Airways has dedicated First, Club World, and Business check-in rows; BA kiosks throughout
- Security: Central security; BA Fast Track available for premium passengers; priority lanes for eligible status holders
- Lounges (NT):
- British Airways Galleries Lounge (NT, Pier 5 airside) — For BA business class, First, and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire. Buffet, bar, showers, workstations.
- Club Aspire Lounge (NT) — Priority Pass, Lounge Key, pay-per-use from £35 (~€41). Good food and bar offering.
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse/The Loft (NT) — For Virgin Upper Class and Flying Club Gold/Silver. Premium dining, cocktail bar, Cowshed spa treatments.
- Norwegian Lounge — For Norwegian premium passengers and eligible frequent flyers.
- Station access: Free transit monorail runs from NT to Gatwick Airport Station (ST) in approximately 3 minutes; clearly signposted throughout NT arrivals and departures
- Facilities: World Duty Free, luxury retail (Mulberry, Jo Malone, Space NK), Carluccio's, Wagamama, Itsu, The Victoria pub, Starbucks, 24-hour Costa, pharmacy (Boots), prayer room, baby care rooms, medical centre
Inter-Terminal Transit
The Gatwick Transit (automated light rail/monorail) connects ST and NT 24 hours a day, running approximately every 2–3 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes overnight. Journey time is 3 minutes. The transit is free and requires no ticket. Access from the Arrivals level of each terminal. Allow 20–30 minutes minimum if you need to change terminals (transit + re-entering security).
---Transportation Guide
Getting to and from London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick benefits from excellent rail connectivity, making the train the fastest and most popular option for most London-bound passengers. The A23 and M23 motorways provide good road access, though traffic on the M25 orbital can cause significant delays. The airport sits directly on the railway mainline and has its own dedicated station — Gatwick Airport Station — physically connected to the South Terminal.
Train — Gatwick Express
The Gatwick Express is the premium non-stop service between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria, operated by Govia Thameslink Railway:
- Journey time: 30 minutes (non-stop)
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes during the day
- Operating hours: Approx. 05:00–00:30 (Victoria to Gatwick); 05:00–00:30 (Gatwick to Victoria)
- Price: From £21.20 (~€24.80) single anytime; advance/off-peak from £10.90 (~€12.75). Buy online at gatwickexpress.com for best fares.
- Station access: Gatwick Airport Station is directly connected to the South Terminal (NT passengers take the free inter-terminal transit). Platforms 5 and 6.
Train — Thameslink & Southern (cheaper alternatives)
Regular Thameslink and Southern services also stop at Gatwick Airport Station and are significantly cheaper than the Gatwick Express:
- Thameslink to St Pancras International / Farringdon / City Thameslink / Blackfriars / London Bridge: Journey 45–55 minutes to London Bridge; from £12.80 (~€15) single (off-peak). Excellent for East London, Eurostar connections, and King's Cross.
- Southern to London Bridge / Victoria: Journey 35–45 minutes to London Bridge from £12.80 (~€15) off-peak. Stops at Clapham Junction (useful for SW London).
- Frequency: Combined Thameslink + Southern gives 6–8 trains/hour to London at peak times.
- Contactless bank cards and Apple/Google Pay accepted at station barriers — no need to pre-purchase if paying full price.
Coach / Bus — National Express & Megabus
- National Express: Direct coaches to London Victoria Coach Station, Central London, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, and 100+ UK cities. London Victoria: ~70–90 minutes; from £8 (~€9.35) booked in advance. Departs from the South Terminal forecourt (coach station, clearly signposted).
- easyBus: Budget service to Victoria/Earl's Court from £2–8 (~€2.35–9.35); journey 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Megabus: Ultra-budget coaches to various UK cities; from £1. Check megabus.com for Gatwick routes.
- Local buses: Metrobus route 100 connects to Crawley town centre (~20 min, £2.50/~€2.95); useful for budget accommodation in Crawley.
Taxi
- Official taxi ranks outside both North and South Terminal arrivals
- Licensed black cabs: metered; London (Victoria) ~£75–110 (~€88–129) depending on traffic; journey 45–70 minutes
- Gatwick has an approved private hire taxi scheme — book at the Official Taxi desk in arrivals for fixed fares
- Fixed fare examples: to Central London approx. £55–85 (~€64–99); to Brighton approx. £30–40 (~€35–47)
Ride-Sharing (Uber)
- Uber operates from designated pickup zones at both terminals (follow "PHV/Minicab" signs in arrivals)
- UberX to Central London: £45–70 (~€52–82) — surge pricing common during early morning and peak departure times
- Bolt also operates from Gatwick; typically 10–15% cheaper than Uber on equivalent trips
- Pickup zones: South Terminal — Level 0 Short Stay Car Park entrance; North Terminal — designated forecourt area
Car Rental
- Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Budget, National, Sixt, Thrifty
- Rental desks in both terminal arrivals halls. Vehicles collected from dedicated car parks (5-minute courtesy bus from NT; direct from ST)
- Road access: M23 motorway junction 9 (Gatwick spur road) connects directly to M25 and A23. Clear signage from airport exit.
Hotel Shuttles
Several airport-adjacent hotels (Hilton Gatwick, Sofitel, Renaissance, Hampton Inn) offer free 24-hour shuttles from dedicated bus bays outside both terminal arrivals. Confirm at booking; typical wait 10–20 minutes.
| Transport | Time to Central London | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express (Victoria) | 30 min | £10.90–21.20 (~€13–25) | Every 15 min | ~05:00–00:30 |
| Thameslink (London Bridge / St Pancras) | 45–55 min | £12.80+ (~€15+) | Every 10–15 min | ~05:00–00:30 |
| Southern (London Bridge / Victoria) | 35–45 min | £12.80+ (~€15+) | Every 15–20 min | ~05:00–00:30 |
| National Express Coach | 70–90 min | £8–15 (~€9.35–17.55) | Every 30–60 min | 04:00–23:00 |
| easyBus | 60–90 min | £2–8 (~€2.35–9.35) | Hourly | 05:00–23:00 |
| Taxi (metered black cab) | 45–75 min | £75–110 (~€88–129) | On demand | 24/7 |
| Uber/Bolt | 45–75 min | £45–70 (~€52–82) | On demand | 24/7 |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels Directly Connected to / At the Airport
- Sofitel London Gatwick ★★★★★ — Directly connected to the South Terminal via covered walkway; arguably the best-connected airport hotel in the UK. Rates from £120–250/night (~€140–293). Restaurant, bar, spa, gym. Extremely popular for early-morning departures.
- Hilton London Gatwick Airport ★★★★ — Also directly connected to the South Terminal via covered walkway. Rates from £100–190/night (~€117–222). Pool, fitness centre, 24-hour restaurant.
- Hampton Inn by Hilton London Gatwick Airport ★★★ — 5-minute free shuttle from NT and ST. Rates from £75–140/night (~€88–164). Free breakfast included.
Hotels Within 5 km
- Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport ★★★★ — 5-minute shuttle. Rates from £90–170/night (~€105–199).
- Renaissance London Gatwick Hotel ★★★★ — Closest to NT entrance; 2-minute walk. Rates from £95–180/night (~€111–210).
- Premier Inn Gatwick Airport (North Terminal) ★★★ — Budget-friendly, 5-min walk from NT. Rates from £50–100/night (~€59–117). Free shuttle.
- ibis London Gatwick Airport ★★★ — Budget option. 10-minute free shuttle. Rates from £45–85/night (~€53–99).
- YHA London Gatwick — Hostel, ~8 km in Crawley. Dorm beds from £20–30/night (~€23–35). Limited facilities but very budget-friendly.
Sleep Pods / Transit Rest
There are currently no airside sleep pods at Gatwick. However, No7 Lounge (ST) and Club Aspire (NT) offer overnight lounge access with reclining chairs. The Sofitel and Hilton being directly connected (landside) make them effectively transit hotels for anyone with a long layover not crossing security. Both offer day-use room rates — enquire directly at the hotel front desk.
---Parking Options & Rates
Parking at London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick offers a range of on-airport and partner off-airport parking. Online pre-booking is strongly recommended — last-minute on-the-day parking can cost 3–5x the pre-booked price, especially during summer and school holidays.
On-Airport Parking (Official Gatwick)
- Short Stay (ST and NT): Multi-storey car parks directly at each terminal. Most expensive; intended for drop-offs under 4 hours. From £8–12/hour (~€9.35–14) or £45–60/day (~€53–70). Best booked in advance at gatwickairport.com.
- Long Stay (ST and NT): Surface and MLCP lots, 5–10-minute shuttle bus to terminals. Pre-booked: from £12–18/day (~€14–21) for 1 week approx. £85–120 (~€99–140). Significantly cheaper than Short Stay.
- Mid Stay: Between Short and Long Stay in distance and price; useful for 2–4 day trips. From £18–25/day (~€21–29).
- Meet & Greet (Valet): Drop car at terminal entrance; returned on arrival. From £130–200/week (~€152–234). Most convenient option. Book via gatwickairport.com.
- iGatwick (Express Drop-off): 10-minute free drop-off in car parks for set-down only. After 10 minutes charges apply. Accessed via the car park approach roads.
EV Charging
- EV charging bays in Short Stay car parks at both NT and ST — Pod Point and BP Pulse chargers
- Approx. 150+ EV bays across both terminals (expanding as of 2025)
- Charging rate: 7–50 kW depending on bay; pay via app or contactless
Off-Airport Partner Parking
Multiple third-party operators (Purple Parking, APH, BCP, Holiday Extras) offer off-airport park-and-ride from £6–12/day (~€7–14) with shuttle transfers. Often the cheapest option for stays over 5 days. Book via Gatwick's website or comparators like parkos.com for best prices.
| Type | Distance to Terminal | Daily Rate (pre-booked) | Weekly (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay (ST/NT) | 0 min (direct) | £45–60 (~€53–70) | Not suitable | Best for drop-offs |
| Mid Stay (ST/NT) | 5 min shuttle | £18–25 (~€21–29) | £100–130 (~€117–152) | Good for 1–3 days |
| Long Stay (ST/NT) | 10 min shuttle | £12–18 (~€14–21) | £85–120 (~€99–140) | Best value on-airport |
| Meet & Greet (Valet) | 0 min (at door) | — | £130–200 (~€152–234) | Most convenient |
| Off-Airport (partner) | 10–15 min shuttle | £6–12 (~€7–14) | £40–70 (~€47–82) | Cheapest overall |
Services & Facilities
WiFi
Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network "Gatwick Free WiFi". No time limits, no registration required as of 2025 — simply connect and accept the terms. Speeds are generally good at 20–50 Mbps, sufficient for streaming and video calls. WiFi is available pre- and post-security in all public areas.
Lounges
- No7 Lounge by Aspire (South Terminal, airside) — Accessible via Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass (free with membership) or walk-in from £35 (~€41). Hot buffet, bar, showers, showers, comfortable seating.
- Club Aspire Lounge (North Terminal, airside) — Priority Pass, Lounge Key; walk-in from £35 (~€41). Similar offering to No7.
- British Airways Galleries Lounge (NT, Pier 5) — BA business, First, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire. Excellent food & bar, showers.
- Virgin Atlantic The Loft (NT) — Upper Class and Flying Club Gold. Spa treatments, cocktail bar, à la carte dining.
- Note: easyJet does not operate lounges at Gatwick.
Shopping
- World Duty Free: Large stores in both terminals airside — extensive perfume, spirits, tobacco, confectionery
- NT Luxury: Mulberry, Jo Malone, Space NK, Sunglasses Hut, Pandora
- ST Retail: Boots (good for travel essentials and duty-free cosmetics), WHSmith, Accessorize, Dune, Superdrug
- Electronics: Dixons Travel (both terminals)
- Pre-order duty-free online (World Duty Free website) for guaranteed stock and collected at terminal
Dining
- 24-hour options: Costa Coffee (both terminals airside); McDonald's (ST); Wetherspoon (ST, notorious for early-morning pints)
- South Terminal airside highlights: Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food Gatwick, Wagamama, Pret a Manger, Frankie & Benny's, Caffe Nero
- North Terminal airside highlights: Wagamama, Itsu, The Victoria (pub), Carluccio's, Starbucks, Giraffe
- Average meal price: £12–20 (~€14–23) for a main course; pint of beer ~£6–8 (~€7–9.35)
Medical Services
- Medical centres: Both NT and ST have first aid medical rooms; airport paramedics on duty 24/7
- Pharmacy: Boots at both terminals — landside and airside; open from first to last flight. Travel vaccinations available at Boots Health Clinics (pre-book).
- AEDs throughout both terminals
Family Facilities
- Dedicated family security lanes at both terminals (look for signs; ask at security entrance)
- Baby changing rooms: both terminals, multiple locations airside and landside
- Children's play areas: NT has a small softplay zone near Pier 5 gates; ST has dedicated children's corner in departures
- Baby food and supplies available at Boots (both terminals)
Accessibility (PRM)
- Pre-book special assistance via your airline or Gatwick's passenger assistance service at least 48 hours before travel
- Dedicated PRM lanes at check-in and security; assistance available from kerb to gate
- Hidden disabilities: Gatwick operates the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme — staff trained to recognise the sunflower and offer assistance
- Electric buggies operate airside in both NT Pier 5 and ST Pier 1
Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Travelex counters at both terminals (arrivals and departures, landside and airside)
- ATMs: Barclays, HSBC, NatWest throughout both terminals; accept all major international cards
- Best rates: use a no-foreign-fee debit card (Wise, Monzo, Starling) at ATMs rather than currency exchange counters
- Mark-up at Travelex airport counters can be 8–12% above mid-market rates
Luggage Storage
- Left luggage: Both NT (arrivals level) and ST (arrivals level). Open from approx. 05:00–22:00. £10–12/bag for up to 24 hours (~€11.70–14). Book online at left-baggage.co.uk for small discount.
- Luggage wrapping service also available at both terminals (~£12–14 per item)
Smoking
Gatwick is a no-smoking airport indoors. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located at the forecourt of both terminals (landside, before security). There are no airside smoking areas — once through security, smoking is not permitted anywhere until you exit the terminal on arrival. E-cigarettes and vapes follow the same restrictions and may not be used indoors or airside.
Prayer Rooms / Chapel
- Multi-faith prayer rooms in both NT (Pier 5 airside) and ST (near Gates 10–11 airside)
- Quiet room and chapel available; open 24/7
- Ablution/wudu facilities adjacent to prayer rooms
Showers
Showers are available in the No7 Lounge (ST), Club Aspire (NT), and BA Galleries Lounge (NT). Lounge access fees apply. There are no public pay-per-use showers outside of lounge access at Gatwick.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub and Base Airlines
- easyJet (unaligned LCC) — Gatwick is easyJet's largest base globally, with 60+ based aircraft at LGW. Operates extensive European network from both terminals, primarily ST. Destinations include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Lisbon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, and 150+ others. No lounge product.
- British Airways (oneworld) — Secondary UK base (primary is Heathrow LHR). BA operates point-to-point routes from NT including transatlantic (New York JFK, Boston, Las Vegas) and domestic/European. Full Club World/Euro Traveller product.
- TUI Airways — Major charter/leisure carrier; ST base. Primarily holiday packages to Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean, and long-haul leisure. Wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner on some long-haul routes.
- Wizz Air — Fast-growing ULCC; NT base. Central/Eastern European routes (Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, Tirana, Kutaisi). Expanding aggressively.
- Virgin Atlantic — NT; selected long-haul routes (Orlando, Barbados, Montego Bay). Operates Boeing 787.
Major Airlines by Alliance
oneworld: British Airways, American Airlines (codeshare), Iberia (codeshare)
SkyTeam: Air France (codeshare with AF via LHR; limited LGW presence), KLM (limited)
Star Alliance: Limited presence at LGW; most Star Alliance carriers use Heathrow
Unaligned/LCC: easyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian Air UK, Jet2, Vueling, airBaltic, Ryanair (limited), Condor, Air Transat, Corsair, Corendon
Top 10 Busiest Routes from LGW
| Route | Airlines | Est. Annual Pax |
|---|---|---|
| LGW–Amsterdam (AMS) | easyJet, KLM | ~1.8M |
| LGW–Edinburgh (EDI) | easyJet, British Airways | ~1.5M |
| LGW–Barcelona (BCN) | easyJet, Vueling | ~1.4M |
| LGW–New York JFK/EWR | British Airways, Norwegian | ~1.3M |
| LGW–Málaga (AGP) | easyJet, TUI, Jet2 | ~1.2M |
| LGW–Dublin (DUB) | easyJet, Aer Lingus | ~1.1M |
| LGW–Geneva (GVA) | easyJet, British Airways | ~1.0M |
| LGW–Glasgow (GLA) | easyJet, British Airways | ~1.0M |
| LGW–Palma (PMI) | easyJet, TUI, Jet2 | ~1.0M |
| LGW–Tenerife (TFS/TFN) | easyJet, TUI, Jet2, Jet2 | ~950K |
Distances & Travel Times
Distances from London Gatwick Airport
| Destination | Distance | By Car | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Victoria (Central) | 45 km | 45–75 min (A23/M23) | 30 min (Gatwick Express) |
| London Bridge | 48 km | 50–80 min | 35–45 min (Thameslink/Southern) |
| St Pancras International (Eurostar) | 50 km | 55–85 min | 45–55 min (Thameslink) |
| Heathrow Airport (LHR) | 60 km | 45–70 min (M25) | 75–90 min (train via London) |
| London Stansted (STN) | 115 km | 75–100 min (M25) | 2 hrs (train via London) |
| Brighton City Centre | 50 km | 35–50 min (A23) | 35–45 min (Southern train) |
| Crawley Town Centre | 5 km | 10–15 min | 15–20 min (bus 100) |
| Canary Wharf (London) | 52 km | 55–85 min | 55–70 min (Thameslink + tube) |
| Wembley Stadium | 55 km | 55–75 min | 70–90 min |
| Guildford | 30 km | 25–40 min | 50–70 min (train + change) |
| Eastbourne | 65 km | 50–70 min | 75–90 min |
| Southampton | 100 km | 75–90 min | 2–2.5 hrs |
Passenger Statistics
London Gatwick Airport Traffic Statistics
Gatwick has shown strong post-pandemic recovery, returning to and exceeding pre-COVID traffic levels by 2024. It remains Europe's most intensively operated single-runway airport — a technical achievement that involves precise runway scheduling and coordination with a heavily constrained UK airspace system.
| Year | Total Passengers | International | Domestic | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 46.6M | 40.1M | 6.5M | +0.9% |
| 2020 | 10.7M | 8.8M | 1.9M | –77.0% (COVID) |
| 2021 | 7.6M | 6.5M | 1.1M | –29.0% |
| 2022 | 28.4M | 25.6M | 2.8M | +274% |
| 2023 | 38.1M | 34.0M | 4.1M | +34.2% |
| 2024 | 40.8M | 36.6M | 4.2M | +7.1% |
Aircraft movements: Approximately 270,000–280,000 per year (2024). On the single operational runway, Gatwick routinely achieves 55 movements per hour at peak — among the highest intensity rates of any single-runway airport globally.
UK ranking: #2 (after London Heathrow at ~83M in 2024). European ranking: Approximately #9–11 by passengers. Global ranking: Approximately #40–45.
Cargo: Relatively modest at approximately 80,000–90,000 metric tonnes per year; Gatwick focuses on passenger operations rather than freight.
Busiest period: August (peak summer holidays), followed by July and December–January. Gatwick handles a significant proportion of UK outbound leisure traffic, making it highly seasonal.
Northern Runway project: The planned activation of the existing standby northern runway for routine use (targeted by 2029) is projected to increase annual capacity to approximately 75 million passengers, significantly reducing operational intensity per runway and unlocking new route opportunities.
---Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
General Airport Information
Phone: +44 344 892 0322
24/7
Official Website
Emergency Services (UK)
Phone: 999 (police/fire/ambulance) or 112 (EU standard)
Social Media
Twitter: @Gatwick_Airport
Facebook: LondonGatwickAirport
Instagram: @gatwick_airport
Lost & Found
Phone: +44 1293 503 162
Location: South Terminal: arrivals level, near baggage reclaim. North Terminal: arrivals level information desk.
Open: 08:00–20:00 daily
Passenger Special Assistance
Phone: +44 344 892 0322 (option 3)
Pre-book at least 48 hours before travel
Pro Tips for London Gatwick Airport
- The Wetherspoon pub in the South Terminal (The Flying Horse, landside) opens at approximately 04:00–04:30 and serves a full cooked breakfast from under £8 (~€9.35) — significantly cheaper than airside options. Stock up on food and drink before going through security for short-haul flights.
- North Terminal's Pier 5 is long — it can take 15–20 minutes to walk from the central security hall to the far gates (50+). When your gate is called, head there promptly rather than waiting in the main shopping area. There are electric buggy services for PRM passengers.
- South Terminal's peak security queue tends to build between 05:30–08:30 (morning wave) and 15:00–18:00. If you have an easyJet Flexi or PLUS fare, the fast-track lane at ST security can save 20–30 minutes during these windows.
- For North Terminal rail users: follow signs for 'Gatwick Airport Station' after arrivals, take the free transit to South Terminal (3 min), and the station is directly integrated into ST. The signage is clear — just don't exit the building and try to walk between terminals.
- Book the Gatwick Express online at gatwickexpress.com rather than buying at the ticket machine — online prices can be 30–50% cheaper, especially with advance purchase. Contactless cards work at the barriers for Southern/Thameslink if you don't pre-book, but the Express requires a ticket.
- Pre-book Long Stay or off-airport parking at least 2 weeks in advance in summer — prices increase dramatically closer to travel. Comparison sites like parkos.com, Holiday Extras, or Gatwick's own site allow side-by-side comparisons. A 1-week stay booked 3 months ahead can cost £40 less than booking the day before.
- If you're flying easyJet from South Terminal, use online check-in and the dedicated bag-drop queue — it bypasses the standard check-in queue entirely. easyJet's app also has your boarding pass digitally, avoiding any printing needs.
- Check whether your UK credit or debit card offers free Priority Pass lounge access at Gatwick. HSBC Premier, American Express Platinum, and several Lloyds Avios cards include Priority Pass — No7 Lounge (ST) and Club Aspire (NT) are on the network and can be an excellent way to avoid terminal food prices.
- Confusing South and North Terminals. This is the single most common mistake at Gatwick — especially for first-time visitors. easyJet = South Terminal. British Airways = North Terminal. The transit takes 3 minutes but adding security re-screening means a terminal mix-up costs you 25–35 minutes minimum.
- Assuming the Gatwick Express is always the best option. Thameslink and Southern trains stop at the same station, run almost as frequently, take only 5–15 minutes longer to key London destinations (London Bridge is actually closer to many hotels than Victoria), and are typically £5–8 cheaper per person. For groups of 3–4, the saving is meaningful.
- Arriving late assuming security is quick because it's not Heathrow. During summer peak (July–August) and school holiday periods, ST security queues at Gatwick can reach 45–60 minutes. Gatwick's security hall has improved capacity but still gets overwhelmed on high-traffic mornings. The 2-hour domestic / 3-hour international rule exists for a reason.