Latest News

Gatwick Airport owner, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), has unveiled a £1bn plan to revamp the Crawley hub. The investment fund claims that almost every aspect of Gatwick’s operation will be redeveloped over the next two years, from branding to entrance forecourts and departure lounges.

A recent press release on Gatwick’s website suggests that the overhaul will begin with the unveiling of a new airport shuttle in July. The shuttle, which has been on ice since an older model was decommissioned in September, cost £45m to replace, and should decrease travel times between the airport’s terminals.

Self-service machines at security desks, a variety of new shops, and an expansion to the hub’s north terminal make up the majority of the changes, but the GIP has a number of tiny projects and ‘gestures’ planned for the future, such as a renewed commitment to customer service. The airport will also drop the word ‘London’ from its name.

Gatwick bosses have embraced a new initiative by the coalition government, which will see the airport focus on service rather than the size of its runways. The South East Airports Task Force will attempt to make the three London airports more efficient, reducing queuing times and improving the reliability of aircraft.

Stewart Wingate, chief at Gatwick airport, called the GIP’s investment a ‘milestone’, adding ‘the airport has long been recognised as a friendly and enjoyable place to travel. It’s by building on these qualities and investing in new facilities that the airport will go from strength to strength.’

Gatwick is also set to benefit from a new flight to Cancun, Mexico, courtesy of UK flag-carrier, British Airways. The route, which begins on the 3 November 2010, will operate twice a week, flying direct to the resort. EasyJet has also given Gatwick a boost, by unveiling a new flight to Gothenburg, Sweden.