London Gatwick Airport

  •  Last updated on 5 Oct 2023

London Gatwick Airport”, by Shih-Chi Chiang, licensed under CC BY 2.0

London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport, with its IATA airport code LGW, is a prominent transportation hub located south of London. Gatwick Airport London is a very busy and important international airport in UK. 

History of Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Originally established in 1930, Gatwick Airport began its journey as a municipal aerodrome on farmland in the town of Crawley, West Sussex. However, it was during the Second World War that Gatwick gained significance as an airfield for military purposes. The Royal Air Force utilized the airport for operations, including fighter squadrons and bomber units. After the war, Gatwick underwent extensive renovations and was reopened for civil aviation in 1958. Since then, the airport has continuously evolved and expanded, becoming a vital hub connecting passengers worldwide.

How to get from London to Gatwick Airport 

Gatwick Airport is conveniently situated approximately 28 miles (45 km) south of Central London, making it easily accessible to travelers. A wide range of transportation options caters to passengers seeking to reach or depart from the airport.

One of the most popular methods of reaching Gatwick Airport from London is via the Gatwick Express train service. Departing from London Victoria station, the Gatwick Express provides a direct and efficient connection to the airport's dedicated train station, located in the South Terminal. Travelers can relax and enjoy a comfortable journey, arriving at the airport in approximately 30 minutes.

For those preferring road transportation, an extensive network of buses and coaches operates between Gatwick Airport and various locations in London. These services offer a cost-effective and convenient way to travel, with frequent departures from key points in the city. Additionally, taxis and car services are available for travelers seeking a private and direct transfer to or from any location in London.

Facilities at Airport Gatwick London

Gatwick is the second largest amongs London's airports. In Gatwick there are two main terminals, the North Terminal and the South Terminal, which collectively cater to both domestic and international flights.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport passengers will find a well-organized and efficient immigration and customs process. After collecting their luggage, they have access to a range of transportation services located in the arrivals area, including taxis, car rentals, and public transportation options.

Upon departure, Gatwick Airport offers a host of amenities in its lounges, including shops, restaurants, and duty-free outlets, allowing travelers to indulge in some last-minute shopping or enjoy a delicious meal before their flight. The airport's check-in process is designed to be swift and convenient, ensuring that passengers can proceed through security checks and reach their boarding gates with ease.

For those requiring accommodation, numerous hotels are located near Gatwick Airport, where comfortable stays for overnight layovers or extended visits are offered. Additionally, car rental agencies operate within the airport, providing travelers with the freedom to explore the surrounding areas or continue their journey upon arrival.

Flights & Airlines at LGW London Airport

 Today, it features two terminals and is served by over 50 airlines, including major carriers such as:

  • British Airways
  • EasyJet
  • Wizz Air
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • Vueling
  • TUI Airways
  • Virgin Atlantic

In 2022, London Gatwick Airport handled more than 30 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in the UK after London Heathrow Airport. The airport offers direct flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide, including popular destinations such as:

  • Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Malaga Costa Del Sol Airport (AGP)
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
  • Faro Airport (FAO)
  • Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
  • Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
  • Antalya Airport (AYT)
  • Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
  • Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE)

Compensations

Our recent data indicates that 28 passengers departing from London Gatwick Airport submitted their flight compensation claims for the amount of 9550 EUR for the last 7 days.

Data shown are estimates, based on internal databases.

Many of the airlines operating in London Gatwick Airport adhere to the EU 261 regulation of 2004 (EC No 261/2004), which provides rights and protections to passengers in cases of flight delays, flight cancellations, and denied boarding. Under this regulation, passengers may be entitled to compensation, assistance, and reimbursement of expenses, depending on the circumstances of the flight disruption.

In case you have experienced a disrupted flight departing from or arriving at London Gatwick Airport or other London UK airports, you can easily check your flight compensation using the flight compensation calculator below.

This article relies on information from open sources for informational purposes only. While we have taken care to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information presented.

Submit your application in 2 minutes to get your compensation
Submit your application