Gatwick developed into London's second major international airport during the 1950s and has repeatedly expanded its role as an alternative to Heathrow.
Early development
Gatwick existed before the Second World War but was comprehensively redeveloped in the 1950s. The modern airport formally opened in 1958 and became London's principal secondary airport.
Single-runway growth
Despite relying on one main runway for normal operations, Gatwick grew into a major international airport. Its development has repeatedly been shaped by the same capacity question that affects Heathrow: how much traffic London can accommodate and where.
Present role
The airport evolved from an overflow/alternative role into a large destination airport in its own right, particularly strong in leisure traffic and increasingly diverse long-haul routes.
Fun facts
- Gatwick's Beehive, opened in 1935, was the world's first circular airport terminal building.
- When the rebuilt airport opened in 1958, Gatwick became the world's first airport with a direct railway connection integrated into the airport.
- Gatwick has two runways, but because they are too close together for normal simultaneous use, it effectively operates as a single-runway airport.
See Gatwick's official history and airport facts.