London Gatwick Gears Up for Busy Summer Travel Season

London Gatwick Airport is set to welcome passengers this summer in what promises to be the busiest season since 2019. The airport anticipates peak travel days on Sunday, 11 August, for passenger volume, and Sunday, 1 September, for air traffic, with 905 arrivals and departures.

Popular Summer Destinations

Short-Haul and Long-Haul Favorites

The top three short-haul destinations for Gatwick travelers this summer are:

• Barcelona
• Malaga
• Palma de Mallorca

For long-haul trips, the most sought-after destinations are:

• Dubai
• New York
• Orlando

Passengers can choose from 56 airlines flying to 223 destinations, including 169 short-haul and 51 long-haul routes. Recent additions to the flight schedule include short-haul routes to Gothenburg (Sweden), Vagar (Faroe Islands), Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal), and Salerno (Italy), which began on 13 July.

Streamlined Security and Airport Amenities

At least 95% of passengers are expected to pass through security in five minutes or less. Once in the departure lounges, travelers can enjoy an array of retail and dining options, including new additions like Pizza Express, Black Sheep Coffee, and Krispy Kreme.

Nick Williams, Head of Passenger Operations at London Gatwick, stated: “Teams here at London Gatwick are putting in extraordinary efforts to ensure passengers will have the best start to their holidays this summer. We are working closely with our airlines and other airport partners to ensure a smooth operation for all.”

Travel Tips for Passengers

To ensure a smooth journey, London Gatwick offers the following tips:

• Plan your journey to the airport in advance: Check road works and rail services before you travel.
• Book parking in advance with Official London Gatwick Parking if driving.
• Prepare for security: Bring liquids in containers up to 100ml in 1-litre clear plastic bags and remove these bags and electrical items from hand luggage.
• Book special assistance at least 48 hours in advance through the London Gatwick website.
• Arrive on time: Typically, this means three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours before a short-haul flight.
• Enjoy dining and shopping: Make the most of the airport’s range of restaurants and bars.
• Save on shopping: Use World Duty Free’s Reserve & Collect service to enjoy 10% off. Browse products online, reserve them up to 30 days before you travel, then collect and pay in-store.

Future Developments at London Gatwick

London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future with plans to bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use. This low-impact plan, currently under examination by the Planning Inspectorate, aims to improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide significant economic benefits by supporting trade, tourism, and job creation.