Holidays from Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and the most efficient single-runway airport in the world. We serve around 200 destinations (more than any other UK airport) in 90 countries for 34 million passengers a year on short and long haul point-to-point services. The airport is also a major economic driver for the South-East region, generating around 23,000 on-airport jobs and a further 13,000 jobs through related activities. London Gatwick is 28 miles south of London with excellent public transport links into the heart of London and elsewhere. It’s quicker to get from Gatwick to central London than from other London airports taking just 28 minutes from the airport direct to the financial district in London or 30 minutes to key tourist attractions. Gatwick Airport is owned by group of international investment funds, of which Global Infrastructure Partners is the majority shareholder. Gatwick Airport is located 3.1 mi north of the centre of Crawley, West Sussex, and 29.5 mi south of Central London.
Gatwick Airport began life in 1930 as a small enthusiast flying club (Surrey Aero Club) and was issued with its first public licence in 1934, which allowed the airport to be used by commercial aircraft. Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength. Take a look at the key milestones in our history, starting with the most recent, to discover more.
On 04 December 2009 Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) became the owners of Gatwick Airport Limited.
In October 2009, we announced that Gatwick had been bought by GIP, for £1.51 billion.
In June 2008, Gatwick celebrated its 50th anniversary. Later that year in September, BAA announced that the airport would be put up for sale.
In 2006, BAA was acquired by Airport Development and Investment Ltd (ADI), a consortium led by Grupo Ferrovial.
In May 2005, the world’s first air-passenger bridge to span a live taxi-way opened connecting the North Terminal to 11 new pier-served stands. The bridge is large enough for a Boeing 747 to pass underneath.
In 2000, a £29.5 million extension to the international departure lounge in the South Terminal was opened, offering more seating, shops and restaurants. A further extension was developed for the North Terminal departure lounge in 2001, costing £35 million.
In 1994, the new North Terminal International Departures Lounge and the first phase of the new South Terminal International Departures Lounge opened. The investment for both lounges was £30 million.
In 1988, HM The Queen officially opened the £200 million North Terminal. A second pier was opened at the North Terminal in 1991.
In 1986, following the passing of the Airports Act, the British Airports Authority was dissolved and all its properties, rights and liabilities were passed to a new company, BAA. BAA was privatised and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1987.
In 1965, the British Airports Authority was established and assumed ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Prestwick airports.
Originally, Gatwick had only one passenger terminal, the South Terminal and in 1962, the terminal doubled in size with the construction of two new piers.
In 1952, the Government approved the development of Gatwick into a direct alternative airport to Heathrow with a significant investment programme and in 1956 Gatwick closed as building began on ‘the new London Airport.’ The airport cost £7.8 million to build and was officially opened by HM The Queen on 9 June 1958. The ‘new’ Gatwick was the world’s first single facility airport accessible by all modes of transport – air, rail and road.
Flights Information
http://www.gatwickairport.com/flights/Getting to the Airport by Car and Motorbike
By car
Gatwick is 28 miles (45km) south of London, linked directly to the M23 at Junction 9 and to the A23 London-Brighton road.
By motorbike
Motorcyclists can park free of charge at Gatwick using the dedicated bays in the car parks.Security Information
One of the most visible aspects of the security process is making sure our passengers do not take on-board prohibited items – a task that inevitably adds time to your journey through the airport and onto your plane.
Knowing what’s allowed and what’s not allowed before you arrive – as well as allowing yourself plenty of time to follow all the security procedures when you get to Gatwick – will save you time and inconvenience and make your journey more enjoyable.
Please follow our tips:
- Have only your boarding card ready for inspection – your passport is not required at security.
- Have all your toiletries, aftershaves, perfumes and cosmetics (in containers of 100ml or less) in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag for security staff to x-ray separately.
- TOP TIP: Making sure your plastic bag containing your liquids are in your hand rather than in your hand luggage before you get to security may help speed you through more quickly
- Remove coats and jackets. they will be screened separately while you walk through the security archway
- Take your laptop, tablet (ie.iPad) and any other large electrical items from your hand baggage to be x-rayed separately
- TOP TIP Leaving any large electrical items in your hand luggage when you come through security will result in your bag being searched, which will slow you down through security
- You may be asked to remove your shoes and belt before going through the security archway.
Shopping
Restaurants
