London Gatwick has reported a strong 2025 performance and confirmed a series of operational upgrades set to make business travel faster, more reliable and better connected in the year ahead.
With government approval now secured for its £2.2bn Northern Runway Project, the airport is preparing for a step‑change in capacity and resilience that will benefit corporate travellers across key long‑haul and short‑haul markets.
Gatwick’s network has expanded to 227 global destinations, supported by eight new airline partnerships and the arrival of Jet2, which launches operations this month. Long‑haul traffic grew 3.3% in 2025, with standout gains across Sub‑Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—regions that continue to drive corporate demand. Despite a slight dip in overall passenger numbers linked to aircraft availability, the airport delivered its best on‑time departure performance in a decade, helped by airfield innovations and closer collaboration with NATS.
Runway efficiency reached record levels, enabling Gatwick to raise its maximum scheduled aircraft movements from 55 to 57 per hour in 2026. The airport also became the first single‑runway hub globally to introduce time‑based separation, increasing arrival and departure flow during peak periods.
Investment continues at pace through Gatwick’s £1.9bn Capital Investment Programme, which includes expanded departure lounges, new taxiways, upgraded security screening and groundwork for the Pier 6 extension, due to add eight aircraft stands by summer 2027. The airport also recorded the highest number of airlines operating from its terminals in a single year, reflecting a more diversified carrier mix and greater choice for business travellers.
Sustainability remains a central pillar of Gatwick’s strategy. The airport became the first worldwide to achieve PAS 2080 certification for reducing carbon across the asset lifecycle, issued a second €750m sustainability‑linked bond and advanced plans to decarbonise heat and expand its electric vehicle fleet.
Chief Executive Pierre‑Hugues Schmit said the airport’s performance “continues to be underpinned by investment, innovation and operational excellence,” adding that 2026 will be “a transformative year” as Gatwick prepares to bring its Northern Runway into routine use.