Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It stands in the top 30 busiest airports in the world, and is the 8th largest in Europe by passenger traffic. Gatwick also holds the record as the busiest single-runway airport in the world, constantly handling traffic that other airports divide over multiple runways.
This airport was once a trans-continental powerhouse, but in recent years has focused on providing a transportation hub for European destinations in particular. Pretty all European airlines, as well as many airlines from elsewhere in the world, direct at least some of their aircraft through it.
Gatwick recently announced plans to expand their infrastructure with a one billion pound investment aimed at improving the visitor experience in terms of everything from access to aesthetics. Those responsible for running the airport feel that this investment will allow them to match, or even surpass, Heathrow airport, whose shadow it is has constantly had to exist under, in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility.
Though Gatwick has always been considered a ‘lesser’ airport than Heathrow, this is due to the merits of the latter rather than any shortcomings in the former. Indeed, Gatwick airport has a history that warrants more attention than it is generally given…
#1 – Royal Attentions
The Queen of England has twice graced Gatwick airport with her presence. In 1956 the airport temporarily closed in order to undergo a major redevelopment, and it was Queen Elizabeth II who oversaw the ceremonies in 1958. Then, thirty years later, the Queen and Prince Phillip were also present for the opening of the new North Terminal as well.
#2 – Advances in Architecture
In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. It was an extraordinary achievement, as it was the first terminal to combine literally every necessary stage of air travel. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus.
#3 – The Blitz
The second World War saw Gatwick become primarily a military airport, to aid Britain with its air to air combat against the deadly German air-force. Gatwick participated when it was requisitioned by the RAF as a combat airfield, and provided service to a number of important operations necessary to keeping England’s skies clear of bombers.
#4 – From Jockeys to Pilots
Did you know that Gatwick used to be a racecourse? Purchased from private hands in 1890, the land was turned into a modern racing facility that even included its own railway station. Now called Gatwick Airport Station, this point was originally the Gatwick Racecourse Station, and even retained this name up until the opening of the Beehive forty five years later. The course even served as a substitute for the Grand National when the bombings in World War I made it unsafe to use the original course.
#5 – Private Fliers
Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In the 20′s and 30′s, for example, it was a private flying club controlled by Ronald Waters. The Surrey Aero Club used their growing prestige to promote interest in flying in general, and helped contribute to the continued growth of the airfield, to the point that Gatwick received its first commercial flying licenses in 1934.
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