London Gatwick International Airport is the second laort in Britain as well as the sixth busiest airport in the world. Located about 50 kilometers south orgest airpf London, in Crawley, Sussex, at Junction 9 of the M23 motorway and on the A23 London - Brighton Road, Gatwick International Airport is regarded as a prominent entry point to the country. Owned and operated by the British Airports Authority (BAA), the airport consists of two terminals, such as North and South, both of which together operate about 100 airlines, thereby together serving about 200 destinations, covering African, trans-Atlantic, and European destinations.



The North Terminal handles flights such as Aer Lingus, Delta Air Lines, Iberia flights, Air France, and British Airways. This terminal also serves a limited number of charter flights. On the other hand, the South Terminal serves international, domestic, and charter flights. It is estimated that these airlines together carries more than 30 million passengers every year. Both of the terminals are linked by a monorail, which in turn takes only about two to three minutes to get from one terminal to another.

The history of the opening of the airport dates back to 1930, when it was established as a small flying club. In 1931, it was made a private airfield by the Home Counties Aviation Services. Later, during the Second World War, the airport served as a royal air force base. In 1952, the government took action to make this airport an alternative major airport to London Heathrow. After a year, it was transformed into a public airport. Later, in 1959, new facilities were attached to the airport such as a 2000 ft runway as well as terminal with a railway station.

After sometimes, the M23 was erected in order to connect the airport to London. From 1978, the airport started to provide transatlantic flights. Today, London Gatwick International Airport is attached with the most sophisticated facilities, and has now become the world's busiest single runway airport.

Situated about 30 miles north of Brighton, Gatwick International Airport offers superb car, bus, and rail transfers. Via car, you can easily reach the A23 Gatwick-Brighton link road, which in turn links Gatwick to Brighton. The Gatwick Railway Station has been directly connected to South Terminal at the airport, and is just a few minutes away from the airport's North Terminal through a transit train link. This rail station offers about 1000 services per day to and from different parts of the country.

Rail ticket desks are located at the arrival sections of both North and South terminals. Situated on the ground floor of the South Terminal is the airport's coach station with a ticket desk. Buses also call at the North Terminal. The express coaches No 797 and 717 have services directly to the Brighton Pool Valley Coach Station. Additionally, facilities are made available for both short term and long term parking. Valet parking is also available at the airport.

Apart from these, the airport provides excellent as well as round the clock shopping and eating facilities. With a large number of shops selling gifts, souvenirs, and name-brand items, the airport's shopping options are truly endless. Further, choices for duty free shopping are made available for international tourists. Likewise, travelers can choose from a number of eating options such as restaurants, cafes, and bars within the two terminals of the airport.

Specialized areas are also within the airport for feeding as well as changing babies, in addition to kids' play area. Further, a host of facilities are made available for disabled people in the form of disabled car parking spaces, disabled toilet facilities, ramps as well as lifts, reserved seating for disabled people, assistance of specialist staff, wheelchair push, broad access pathways, and induction loop systems in order to help people with impaired hearing. Facilities available at the airport also cover round the clock cash machines, airport executive lounges, baggage storage, business facilities, conference as well as business center for business purposes, internet access, medical center attached with first aid facilities, information centers, pharmacy, post office, and video game arcades.

Above all, Gatwick Airport comes with a selection of hotels and that too with options to make bookings online. Few among the Gatwick airport hotels are Alexander House Hotel, The Clarion Hotel, Corner House Hotel, Express by Holiday Inn, Ramada Plaza Hotel, and Worth Hotel.