Gatwick to raise number of hourly flights ahead of introduction of second runway

Gatwick aims to raise the number of hourly flights as is waits to bring a second emergency runway into regular operation.

 

Aircraft movements on the existing single runway will increase from 55 an hour last year to a maximum of 57.

 

Gatwick hailed “record-breaking runway efficiency combined with innovative technology” to provide the increase this year.  

 

Air traffic control and airfield innovations will deliver “world-leading runway efficiency and optimisation,” according to the UK’s second largest airport.

 

The limited capacity hike came as Gatwick noted that it became the world’s first single-runway airport to introduce time-based separation allowing an increase in the number of arrivals and departures per hour in 2025. 

 

The airport received government planning consent  for its £2.2 billion second runway project last year, and is “accelerating detailed logistical planning and design work” as it prepares to move into the delivery phase.  

 

The second runway will unlock “potential for much needed additional capacity, and muti-million-pound boost to local and national economy”.  

 

The update came as Gatwick reported a 1.1% decline in year on year passenger numbers to 42.8 million.

 

Strong long-haul growth of 3.3% came as  short-haul numbers fell by 1.9% due to “temporary issues related to aircraft availability”.

 

Annual profits were down by 2.4% to 334.7 million as revenue edged up by 0.2% to £1.1 billion, “driven by diversifying airline mix and greater passenger choice”.

 

Gatwick said it “delivered a strong financial performance in 2025 underpinned by excellent passenger service, optimised operational performance and expansion of its long-haul offer”.

 

The number of airlines using Gatwick hit a record high of 57 serving 227 destinations.

 

Jet2 joins the roster by deploying six aircraft serving 29 destinations from later this month.

 

The airport issued detail of what is being done to meet 10 sustainability goals it has pledged to achieve before 2030 in a ‘decade of change’ report. 

 

Gatwick chief executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit, who succeeded Stewart Wingate in September 2025, said: "London Gatwick delivered a strong performance in 2025, continuing to invest and innovate while driving productivity and efficiency across the business.

 

“These achievements are underpinned by our commitment to sustainability, and I want to thank all my colleagues for their dedication and hard work across the year.  

 

"Our focus on excellent passenger service is unwavering. During the year we opened our newly refurbished assisted travel lounge and also completed an upgrade to the departure lounge in our South Terminal, alongside welcoming a variety of new retail partners.   

 

"Looking ahead, the development plans for the northern runway detail how we intend to unlock further growth for the airport, our local communities and the national economy.

 

“ I am very excited for 2026 which is set to be a transformative year as we remain focused on making London Gatwick the airport for everyone, whatever your journey."