London Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK): Your Essential Guide to the UK’s Premier International Gateway
London Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) is a pivotal component of the United Kingdom’s aviation network, firmly established as the second-busiest airport in the UK by total passenger traffic. Located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Central London, near Crawley in West Sussex, Gatwick operates as a vital global connection point for both leisure travellers and business professionals. It is internationally renowned for having the busiest single-use runway in the world, showcasing exceptional operational efficiency.
Airport at a Glance: Key Facts for Travellers
To facilitate seamless planning, here are the core details defining London Gatwick:
| Feature | Detail | SEO Keywords |
| IATA Code | LGW | London Gatwick, LGW, Flight Status |
| ICAO Code | EGKK | Gatwick Airport Code, EGKK |
| Location | West Sussex, 30 miles (48 km) south of London | Gatwick Location, South of London Airport |
| Annual Passengers | Over 43 Million (Pre-pandemic figures; actively recovering to 2019 levels) | Busiest UK Airports, Gatwick Passenger Numbers |
| Destinations | Serving over 220 worldwide destinations | Gatwick Routes, Global Destinations, Long-Haul |
| Role | Major base for budget and full-service carriers; the world’s busiest single-runway airport. | UK Aviation Hub, Single Runway Efficiency |
Terminals and Premium Passenger Services
Gatwick is efficiently segmented into two primary, self-contained operational zones: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. These terminals are seamlessly linked 24/7 by a free, automated inter-terminal shuttle train, with a journey time of only two minutes.
- Retail and Dining Excellence: Both terminals offer a diverse and modern selection of retail outlets, including flagship duty-free stores and luxury brands. The food and beverage options range from globally recognised fast-food chains to premium, sit-down dining experiences like Caviar House & Prunier and various gastropubs.
- Lounges and Comfort: For travellers seeking enhanced comfort, Gatwick hosts several world-class airport lounges, including the No1 Lounges and airline-specific lounges (e.g., British Airways Galleries Lounge, Emirates Lounge). These provide dedicated business facilities, complimentary refreshments, and quiet zones.
- Connectivity and Technology: The entire airport complex provides free and unlimited Wi-Fi access. Gatwick is also adopting new technologies, including Self-Service Bag Drop and biometric technology, to streamline the check-in and security processes, reducing queue times.
- Accessibility and Family Facilities: The airport is committed to comprehensive accessibility, with dedicated services for passengers requiring special assistance (PRM). Well-equipped baby care rooms and play areas are also available in both terminals.
Major Airlines and Global Route Network Expansion
Gatwick remains a strategic hub for key airlines, focusing on a robust mix of low-cost, short-haul, and essential long-haul connectivity.
- Core Carriers: The airport is the largest operational base for easyJet, Europe’s leading low-cost carrier, and a vital hub for British Airways, providing both short-haul leisure and extensive long-haul routes.
- International Partners: Other prominent international airlines include Emirates (connecting to Dubai and beyond), Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and key North American carriers like Delta Air Lines and Air Transat.
- Strategic Route Growth (SEO Focus): Gatwick continues to invest in expanding its network, particularly in the high-demand North American market (e.g., destinations like New York, Toronto, and newly added US cities) and emerging global markets in Asia and the Middle East, solidifying its position as a major London gateway.
Rapid Transport and Accessibility: Connecting London and the South East
Gatwick is perhaps the most efficiently connected London airport by rail, offering rapid, high-frequency services to Central London, which is crucial for SEO relevance regarding transport.
| Transport Option | Central London Destination | Journey Time (Approx.) | Key SEO/Travel Information |
| Gatwick Express (Train) | London Victoria | 30 minutes | Non-stop, premium service. Ideal for fast transfers. Contactless/Oyster payment accepted. |
| Southern & Thameslink (Train) | London Bridge, St Pancras International, Farringdon, Blackfriars | 30–45 minutes | Provides extensive city-wide connections and links to the Eurostar service. Offers significant cost savings over the Express. |
| Coach/Bus | London Victoria Coach Station & Major UK Cities | 60–90 minutes to London | Operators like National Express and EasyBus offer budget-friendly services and national coverage. |
| Taxi/Ride-Share | Central London | 60–90 minutes (traffic dependent) | Official partner Airport Cars Gatwick provides pre-booked reliability. |
Essential Information: Parking, Drop-Off, and Future Plans
Parking and Drop-Off
Gatwick manages various car parks designed to meet every traveller’s need: Short-Stay (closest to the terminals), Long-Stay (linked by shuttle bus), and Premium Parking.
- Mandatory Drop-off Charge: An essential policy for all drivers is the Minimum Drop-off Charge (currently £7 as of late 2024/2025), which applies to vehicles dropping passengers directly outside the North and South Terminals. Free drop-off is available in the Long Stay Car Parks, followed by a free shuttle to the terminal.
Contact Details and Official Resources
- Address: West Sussex, RH6 0NP, UNITED KINGDOM
- General Information (Tel): +44 344 892 0322
- Official Website: www.gatwickairport.com