ZCZC
BCN-07
BRITAIN-AVIATION-CONSTRUCTION
London Gatwick Airport invests o1.1bn in expansion
LONDON, June 14, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – London Gatwick Airport announced
Wednesday it was spending o1.1 billion on expanding its facilities over the
next five years to accomodate a growth in passenger numbers.
Gatwick is the eighth-busiest airport in Europe and sits behind Mumbai as
the world’s busiest single-runway air hub.
“Gatwick is a major piece of national infrastructure, and our continued
growth and ability to attract long-haul airlines is vital for the health of
the UK economy, particularly in a post-Brexit world,” said the airport’s
chief executive Stewart Wingate.
“By committing to spend another o1.1 billion, Gatwick can continue to grow
sustainably, attract new airlines and offer more global connections, while
providing an excellent service to passengers.”
From December 2009 to the end of the new five-year investment in 2023, the
total investment figure rises to o3.14 billion.
Gatwick serves more than 228 destinations in 74 countries for 45 million
passengers a year. It predicts that passenger numbers will hit nearly 53
million by 2023.
The expansion work includes a new domestic arrivals facility, including a
new baggage reclaim in the South Terminal, redevelopment of its hotel
capacity, and a new extension in the North Terminal departure lounge to
accommodate new restaurants.
The British government has ruled out investing in building a second runway
at Gatwick, instead preferring the construction of a third at London’s main
Heathrow airport, the busiest passenger air hub in Europe.
BSS/AFP/HR/0950