Gatwick to Boost Runway Capacity After 2025 Passenger Numbers Dip

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has announced plans to increase its single-runway capacity in 2026, despite reporting a slight downturn in passenger traffic for 2025. The airport handled 42.8 million passengers last year, a 1.1% decrease compared to the previous year. To enhance operational efficiency, Gatwick will increase its maximum scheduled aircraft movements from 55 to 57 per hour through technological and procedural innovations.

This move to maximize the utility of its main runway comes as the airport advances its long-term expansion plans, chiefly the Northern Runway Project. The results highlight a mixed aviation market, with robust growth in long-haul travel contrasting with constraints in the short-haul sector. The capacity increase underscores Gatwick's strategy to boost airfield productivity while navigating current market dynamics and preparing for future growth.

2025 Performance in Detail

According to its 2025 Annual Financial Statements, London Gatwick generated £1.13 billion in revenue, a marginal increase of 0.2% year-over-year. However, profit for the period declined by 2.4% to £334.7 million. The overall passenger decline was driven by a 1.9% drop in short-haul traffic, which the airport attributes to industry-wide aircraft availability issues, including delivery delays and engine inspection requirements.

In contrast, long-haul passenger traffic showed strong performance, growing by 3.3%. Gatwick reported particularly high growth on routes to Sub-Saharan Africa (22%) and the Far East and South Asia (24%), indicating a solid recovery in corporate and long-distance leisure travel.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, commented on the results, stating, "London Gatwick delivered a strong performance in 2025, continuing to invest and innovate while driving productivity and efficiency across the business."

Runway Capacity and Operational Innovation

The headline operational development is the planned increase to 57 aircraft movements per hour, scheduled for implementation in summer 2026. This enhancement is made possible through the adoption of Time-Based Separation (TBS), a system developed and managed in collaboration with the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS). TBS optimizes the spacing between arriving and departing aircraft based on time rather than distance, increasing runway throughput and resilience, particularly during periods of strong headwinds.

Gatwick is the first single-runway airport globally to introduce TBS for both arrivals and departures. This technological step is critical for maximizing efficiency at one of the world's busiest single-runway airports. The move is overseen by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates Gatwick's economic and safety licensing.

Strategic Expansion: The Northern Runway Project

While optimizing its current infrastructure, Gatwick is also pursuing a significant long-term expansion. In September 2025, the UK Secretary of State for Transport granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the £2.2bn Northern Runway Project. This approval provides the necessary planning permission to bring the airport's standby northern runway into routine use for departing aircraft, alongside the main runway.

The project aims to increase the airport's total capacity and resilience, though it faces opposition from local groups. The DCO is a critical milestone in a multi-year effort to secure Gatwick's future growth potential within the constrained UK aviation infrastructure landscape. For airlines, particularly short-haul carriers impacted by current constraints, the long-term project promises additional slots and operational flexibility.

Stakeholder and Environmental Impact

The operational changes and expansion plans have direct consequences for various stakeholders. Short-haul airlines faced a challenging year at LGW, with passenger volumes declining due to external fleet pressures. The increase to 57 movements per hour will be managed by NATS, requiring precise implementation of new air traffic control protocols.

However, the capacity enhancements have drawn criticism from local community and environmental groups. Organizations such as Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE) have argued that increasing aircraft movements and proceeding with the Northern Runway will lead to unacceptable levels of noise and carbon emissions for surrounding areas.

What Comes Next

Gatwick has a clear timeline for its upcoming projects. The airport has confirmed the implementation of the 57 movements per hour schedule will begin in Summer 2026. Following this, the completion of the Pier 6 extension is expected by Summer 2027, further enhancing terminal capacity.

Looking further ahead, the newly approved Northern Runway is expected to become operational by 2030. This long-term project represents the next major phase of Gatwick's development, fundamentally altering its operational model from a single-runway to a dual-runway airport.

Why This Matters

Gatwick's strategy provides a clear case study in how major airports are leveraging technology to push the boundaries of existing infrastructure while navigating complex expansion projects. The decision to increase runway capacity amid a slight passenger downturn demonstrates confidence in long-haul market recovery and a commitment to operational efficiency. This dual approach of short-term optimization and long-term strategic investment positions Gatwick to compete for future traffic growth in the highly competitive London aviation market.

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