Owais Crawford
Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. It is unique among London's airports in its representation of the three main airline business models: full service, low-cost, and charter. The airport has two terminals, North and South, with 65 total gates. Peak periods can bring long queues for check-in and bag drop, and passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before their flight. Gatwick Airport is also the world's first airport to have a direct mainline train link, with over 120 stations accessible by direct train.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest time of day for arrivals | 10 pm-12 am (approximately 17,000 passengers per day) |
| Average security or customs wait time | Not more than 15 minutes, based on historical averages |
| Peak periods | Huge queues for check-in and bag drop |
| Arrival time for a flight with carry-on luggage and online check-in | 90 minutes before departure |
| Arrival time for a flight with checked luggage | 2 hours before departure |
| Transport from London Victoria Station | Thameslink train (35 minutes) |
| Transport from London Victoria Station | Southern train (57 minutes) |
| Transport from London | Trains to over 120 stations without changing |
| Number of terminals | 2 (North and South) |
| Number of gates | 65 |
| Airlines | British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, TAP, Air Peace, Norwegian Airlines, Air China, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, WestJet, and more |
| Strikes | Staff strikes expected from Good Friday to Easter Monday in 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Peak times at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, having served over 40 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two terminals, North and South, with 65 total gates. Peak times at Gatwick Airport can vary, but there are some general patterns to be aware of.
Typically, the early morning hours tend to be busy as many flights depart and arrive during this time. This is especially true for the time period between 6 am and 9 am, as this is when many business travellers and commuters are using the airport. Similarly, the evening rush hour, between approximately 5 pm and 8 pm, can also be quite busy as people return from their travels or arrive for evening meetings or events.
Another factor that can contribute to peak times at Gatwick Airport is the school holiday schedule. During school breaks, such as summer holidays and half-term breaks, the airport tends to be busier with families travelling for vacations. Additionally, major holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays can also result in increased passenger traffic and longer queues.
It is worth noting that certain days of the week may also be busier than others. For example, Fridays and Sundays are often popular travel days, with many people extending their weekends for leisure trips. Midweek days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be slightly quieter, although this can vary depending on the time of year and other factors.
To optimise your experience and avoid lengthy queues, it is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance and follow the recommendations of the airlines. Gatwick Airport also offers a Fast Track service, allowing passengers to skip the security queue and use a dedicated, faster lane. Checking the security wait times for your specific terminal before arriving at the airport can also help you plan your journey more efficiently.
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Border Force strikes
Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. It is a primary hub for both holiday and business flights. In 2022, the airport faced potential disruption due to Border Force strikes. While specific details about the impact on Gatwick are limited, here is some information on the Border Force strikes:
In December 2022, the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union announced industrial action by Border Force officers that would impact travellers entering the UK. The strike action was expected to result in longer wait times at border control, particularly at Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest airport. Military personnel, civil servants, and volunteers were trained to support Border Force during this time. Travellers were advised to check the latest travel advice and were encouraged to use eGates where possible.
In a separate incident in August 2024, hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport went on strike from August 31 to September 3, followed by a period of "work-to-rule" until September 22. This action was taken due to disputes over changes to terms and conditions, including the introduction of inflexible rosters and issues with flexible work applications. The strike caused significant disruption to travellers using Heathrow Airport.
In April 2025, there were no plans for Border Force to strike at UK ferry ports. However, Border Force workers who patrol the channel for small boats voted to strike over a dispute regarding allowances. While specific strike dates were not scheduled, travellers were advised to prepare for potential disruptions and longer queues at the UK border in France.
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Queues and delays
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, and both have their own set of queues and delays. Peak periods, such as holiday seasons and weekends, often result in lengthy queues for check-in and bag drop, with some passengers nearly missing their flights due to the wait. It is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance, allowing for ample time to navigate these busy periods.
To streamline your experience, consider checking in online and opting for carry-on luggage only. This can significantly reduce your time spent in queues. Additionally, services like the Gatwick Fast Track allow you to bypass the security queue and utilise a dedicated, faster lane for a smoother journey.
It is worth noting that external factors, such as strikes, can also impact the length of queues and delays. For instance, in 2025, staff strikes during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend affected various airport operations, including ground handling, resulting in disruptions and longer waiting times for travellers. Similarly, Border Force strikes during the Christmas period in previous years have caused queues of up to 2 hours for arriving passengers.
To make informed decisions about your travel plans, it is recommended to stay updated with the latest news and utilise resources like Qsensor, which provides live and historical security wait times for Gatwick Airport. This information can help you manage your expectations and ensure you allow sufficient time to navigate any potential delays when travelling through Gatwick Airport.
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Gatwick Airport train station
The train station offers unrivalled connectivity to London and the South East of England, with direct links to 120 stations. On average, a train departs every four minutes, connecting passengers to over 700 stations within one change. Thameslink provides direct routes to over 50 stations, with frequent services of up to eight times per hour. Gatwick Express offers a non-stop service to London Victoria, and there are also direct services to seven other key stations across London, including London Bridge, London Blackfriars, and St Pancras International.
Travellers can purchase train tickets online, via apps, or at the station. Tickets bought online can be collected from any station, and travellers can avoid station queues by pre-booking. Oyster cards can be issued, loaded, and validated at the station, and contactless payment is also accepted.
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Check-in and bag drop
London Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two terminals, North and South, with 65 total gates. Peak periods can bring long queues for check-in and bag drop, with travellers reporting near misses for their flights due to the crowds. It is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance, allowing for potential delays.
To streamline your check-in and bag drop experience, consider checking in online if possible. This can save time and allow you to proceed directly to security. However, if you need to check in at the airport, plan to arrive at least two hours before your flight to account for potential queues. This is especially important during peak travel seasons and holidays.
To further optimise your time, you can utilise services like the Gatwick Fast Track, which offers a dedicated, faster lane to skip the standard security queue. This service can be booked in advance through the official Gatwick Fast Track page. Additionally, keeping track of security wait times through resources like Qsensor can help you make informed decisions about your arrival time at the airport.
When travelling to Gatwick Airport, it is essential to consider your mode of transportation and plan accordingly. The airport is well-connected by train, offering direct connections to over 120 stations and access to 700 stations with one change. Trains from London to Gatwick run frequently, reaching central London in approximately 30 minutes. However, be cautious when purchasing tickets at Victoria Station, as there are separate gates and tracks for different trains.
By following these suggestions and staying informed about potential delays, you can efficiently navigate the check-in and bag drop process at Gatwick Airport, even during busy periods. Remember to check your terminal in advance and give yourself ample time to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Gatwick Airport is the UK's second busiest airport, having carried over 40 million passengers in 2023. Peak periods can bring huge queues for check-in and bag drop.
Historical averages suggest that the vast majority of passengers will not wait more than 15 minutes. However, it is always advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance and follow the recommendations of the airlines and airports.
11 pm is a busy time, and many flights arrive between 10 pm and midnight. There are approximately 17,000 passengers passing through the airport daily.
You can book Fast Track for London Gatwick Airport through the official Gatwick Fast Track page. This service allows you to skip the security queue and go through a dedicated, faster lane.
Bag handling and flight dispatch staff at Gatwick Airport have gone on strike from Good Friday to Easter Monday in 2025. Travellers can expect long queues, delays, and disruptions at check-in.
