A £1 billion revamp of Gatwick’s North Terminal has been outlined in a bid to further transform the airport.
Gatwick expects to handle six million more passengers in five years through greater competition and investment.
The airport is expected to reach nearly 41 million passengers within the next three years, with North Terminal accommodating the majority of traffic growth.
A total of £36 million will be spent to create a new check-in area at the North Terminal including up to 60 bag drop units, which the airport claims will “virtually” eliminate queues.
Quicker check-in times and an improved departures experience are being promised in work which follows an overhaul of the South Terminal.
The area will open in two phases between late 2015 and early 2016. A better layout and more space will increase peak check-in capacity from 3,000 to 4,350 passengers an hour.
A further £30 million will go into a new security area opening in North Terminal in 2016.
The aim is to halve passenger handling times, giving Gatwick the ability to process 5,000 passengers an hour.
The airport is to spend £21 million to create a new departure lounge in North Terminal with more shops and dining options.
The North Terminal’s arrivals area is to be refurbished in time for next summer at a cost of £10 million.
The relocation of existing shops and facilities will create a more spacious concourse, according to the airport.
Other investments include £250 million to maintain and replace facilities including lifts, escalators and technology; £80 million to reconfigure the Pier 5 facility and £185 million to build a new Pier 1, offering new aircraft stands, gate rooms, new lounge facilities, and storage for 2,600 bags.
The announcement came on the fifth anniversary of the break-up of the BAA monopoly which saw Gatwick enter private ownership to compete head-on for the first time with Heathrow, Stansted and other major European airports.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “It’s been an incredible five years and this is just the start. Gatwick is changing for the better and the fresh £1 billion investment outlined today is a clear signal that we intend to become London’s airport of choice.
“Gatwick’s success shows what can be achieved when competition is allowed to thrive, helping standards rise and fares fall.
“It is a timely reminder ahead of next year’s airport expansion decision, when the UK must choose whether to build on the success of greater competition and a more open industry, or take a backwards step towards the monopolies of the past.”