Gatwick’s South Terminal is to reopen in March after nearly two years in mothballs due to the pandemic.
Flights have only been operating from the airport’s North Terminal since June 2020 to save on costs.
But the South Terminal will return to service from March 27 as expected demand returns with improved confidence in international travel.
Airlines to operate from the South Terminal include British Airways, Vueling, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, TAP, Eastern Airways, Aurigny, Aer Lingus, Air Baltic, Air Malta, Air Europa and Enter Air, while easyJet will operate across both terminals.
The disclosure coincided with the scrapping of Covid testing requirements from today (Friday) for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK.
BA has already announced the restart its short-haul services from Gatwick from March 29, with 35 European routes.
Spanish low-cost sister airline Vueling will also be expanding by adding five new routes and basing three aircraft at Gatwick.
Wizz Air is also increasing its network from the airport with 18 new routes.
EasyJet, Gatwick’s biggest airline, has also taken up more slots and plans to fly its busiest flying schedule ever from the airport.
Airport chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “After an incredibly challenging two years for the airport, our partners, local communities and the entire aviation industry, we are delighted to be reopening our South Terminal next month.
“Following some major announcements from our airlines about significantly increased flying schedules, and from government on removing travel restrictions and airport slot regulations, we can now look forward to once again operating a busy Gatwick this summer and beyond.
“Today’s news means Gatwick and our partners can also begin recruiting new staff to help us meet this demand, which is excellent news for local people who have been so badly impacted by the effects of the pandemic.
“With our airlines now operating hugely increased flying programmes, our passengers can once again choose from a fantastic range of destinations – both short and long haul – whether booking a holiday, family visit, business trip – or that bucket list adventure they have dreamt of for years.
“It may however take time for consumer confidence to fully recover, so I urge government to make 2022 the year when all travel restrictions are removed, including the unpopular passenger locator form and other remaining barriers to free travel.”