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Gatwick Airport: A Comprehensive History of One of the UK's Busiest Airports

Gatwick Airport is one of the UK's busiest airports, and has been an important hub for international air travel for over 80 years. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of Gatwick Airport, exploring its early days, its development over the years, and its position as a major aviation hub today.

Early Days of Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport was established in the late 1920s, when the land was used as a racecourse. The site was converted into an airport in the 1930s, when commercial air travel was just beginning to take off in the UK. The first flight from Gatwick Airport took place in 1933, when a De Havilland DH.60 Moth biplane flew from Gatwick to Paris.

During World War II, Gatwick Airport was used as a military airfield, and was home to several squadrons of fighter planes. After the war, the airport was returned to civilian use, and saw a surge in passenger numbers as air travel became more popular.

Development of Gatwick Airport

Over the next few decades, Gatwick Airport underwent significant development, as the demand for air travel continued to grow. In the 1950s, a new terminal was built, and in the 1960s, a second runway was added. This marked a significant expansion for the airport, and allowed it to handle more passengers and flights.

In the 1970s, Gatwick Airport continued to grow, with the opening of a new terminal building and the addition of new facilities for passengers and airlines. The 1980s saw further expansion, with the construction of a new control tower and the opening of a third terminal.

In the 1990s, Gatwick Airport was privatized, and was acquired by a consortium of companies led by BAA plc. Under the new ownership, the airport underwent a major renovation, with new facilities and technology being introduced to improve the passenger experience.

Gatwick Airport Today

Today, Gatwick Airport is one of the UK's busiest airports, with over 45 million passengers passing through its terminals each year. It serves over 200 destinations in more than 90 countries, and is a hub for several major airlines, including EasyJet and British Airways.

Despite its success, Gatwick Airport faces a number of challenges today. One of the biggest is the issue of capacity, as the airport is operating at near-full capacity and there is a growing demand for air travel in the UK and around the world. In recent years, there have been proposals to build a second runway at Gatwick, but these have faced significant opposition from environmental campaigners and local residents.

In addition to capacity issues, Gatwick Airport also faces ongoing challenges related to sustainability and noise pollution. The airport has taken steps to address these issues, including introducing new technology to reduce aircraft noise and emissions, and investing in renewable energy sources.

The history of Gatwick Airport is a fascinating one, spanning over 80 years of aviation history. From its early days as a small airport with just a few runways and buildings, to its position today as a major aviation hub, Gatwick has played a key role in the development of air travel and international commerce.

While the airport faces a number of challenges today, including capacity and sustainability issues, there is no doubt that it will continue to be an important part of the UK's aviation infrastructure for many years to come.