Gatwick has outlined £1.15 billion improvement plans over the next five years including a new domestic arrivals area and more self-service bag drop facilities.
The projects detailed today do not include a second runway but mean that total investment will have grown to £2.7 billion by 2022 since the Gatwick came under private ownership in December 2009.
However, Gatwick’s construction director Raymond Melee said: “Regarding future runway expansion, our financeable and deliverable scheme for a second runway remains on the table.
“We will deliver a new runway for Britain, in addition to or instead of Heathrow, should the government give us its support now or in the future.”
The airport plans to spend £240 million alone in 2017-18 as it prepares for more growth and improved efficiency.
The measures will help take Gatwick from handling 45 million passengers a year towards 50 million, with growth expected to come from larger aircraft, more long-haul routes, and growth in the winter months.
The projects include an aircraft pier extension and more North Terminal border facilities to handle increased numbers of long-haul arrivals.
A new domestic arrivals facility, including a new baggage reclaim, will be created in the South Terminal.
Additional car parking capacity for both long and short-stay passengers is planned together with schemes to support greater use of electric vehicles.
The self-service luggage drop points will automate the boarding process at the gate to make embarkation more efficient and help on-time performance, according to the airport.
Improved access to the South Terminal will be created for passengers and staff using local buses to travel to and from the airport
Melee said: “As we plan to grow towards 50 million passengers per annum, we will focus on efficiency and service so that our passengers continue to receive the airport experience they expect, in the most sustainable manner possible.
“We will continue to develop the airport to meet the needs of our airlines and passengers with improvements to the way we operate on the airfield and the service we offer in our terminals.
“These projects will be delivered in a way that will help us realise our ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable airport.”