# History 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](https://www.gatwickairport.com/company/about-us/our-history.html) and [airport facts](https://www.gatwickairport.com/company/about-us/key-facts.html). --- ## Links here - [Gatwick Airport](page:533)