Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal reopened this morning after being dormant for almost two years, since June 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The re-launch almost doubles the airport’s capacity, as flights will be ramping up from around 300 to 570 a day.
This makes it the equivalent of a medium-sized airport opening overnight.
During the closure, the terminal's shops and other facilities have undergone months of refurbishment, updating and cleaning.
Gatwick's South Terminal
Gareth Fuller
British Airways will be one of the airlines switching to the South Terminal
Victoria Jones
Major airlines such as British Airways, Wizz Air and Vueling are among those that will switch from the North to the South Terminal over the coming days.
Gatwick have advised holidaymakers to double-check which terminal they’re departing from and to arrive as early as possible as they may be busy.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing our south terminal, and I would like to thank everybody involved as their combined efforts mean that today we are effectively opening a medium-sized airport overnight, which is no small task.
“We’re now ready and excited to welcome passengers back in large numbers, and our restaurants, shops, cafes and bars are also looking forward to serving passengers again before they jet off on holiday, to visit friends and family or take that vital business trip.
“After a difficult two years, we know there is significant pent-up demand for international travel, so I advise passengers to book early to make sure they secure the flights they want this summer.”