London Gatwick is preparing to welcome millions of passengers over the school summer holidays, with smoother journeys now made even easier thanks to new security technology.
Passengers can keep liquids up to 100ml and electronic devices in their bags when passing through security, helping more than 95% of passengers clear security in under five minutes.
The airport’s busiest days are expected to be Sunday 3 August and Sunday 10 August with 900 flights scheduled each day. Passenger numbers are set to peak on Sunday 17August.
This summer, London Gatwick will serve 224 destinations via 59 airlines, including 160 short-haul flights with Malaga, Barcelona and Palma De Mallorca the most popular. Passengers can also choose from 54 long-haul services, with Dubai, Shanghai and Orlando receiving the most bookings.
Passengers flying from the South Terminal will also benefit from a £7m newly refurbished departure lounge, with upgraded lighting, expanded seating, quiet zones and an improved Special Assistance Lounge, which has been moved to a more accessible location and benefits from new seating, flooring, planting and perimeter screens.
The busy summer follows a strong second quarter, with almost 11.6m passengers travelling through the airport between April and June 2025.
Passengers travelling through London Gatwick this summer will be able to take part in the airport’s ‘You Deserve the World’ campaign activity, with participating shops and restaurants offering a range of freebies and discounts.
Nick Williams, Head of Passenger Operations and Service, London Gatwick said:“Everyone at London Gatwick is fully prepared to give passengers a seamless and positive start to their holidays from the moment they arrive at the airport. We have been working hard, along with our airport partners, to plan for our busiest period and keep the operation running as smoothly as possible.
“As the airport continues to grow, the summer will be very busy and we encourage passengers to read our top tips ahead of visiting the airport so they are prepared and know what to expect when they get here.”
Top tips for passengers travelling through London Gatwick over the summer holidays:
- Plan your journey to the airport in advance. Check roadworks and rail services before you travel
- If driving, book parking in advance with Official London Gatwick Parking
- Prepare for security by keeping all liquids up to 100ml and electronics inside your bag.
- Book special assistance at least 48 hours in advance. More information is available on the London Gatwick website
- Arrive on time: Make sure you arrive when check-in opens. Typically, this is three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours before a short-haul flight
If shopping, enjoy 10% off when you use World Duty Free’s Reserve & Collect service: Browse products online, reserve them up to 30 days before you travel, then collect and pay in-store. T&Cs apply
