A final decision on Gatwick’s Northern Runway planning application is expected by 27 October.

London Gatwick Airport recorded a strong first half of 2025, with £491m in total revenue for H125, as it gears up for the potential of dual runway applications at its Northern Runway, and the departure of Stewart Wingate as CEO.

“After 15 enjoyable years leading our airport, this will be my last financial report as Chief Executive. In my new role, as Managing Director UK Airports for VINCI and GIP, I’m looking forward to continuing to oversee the future development and strategic direction of London Gatwick,” said Wingate in a statement.

Wingate added: “The airport is in a strong financial and operational position with more airlines than ever before serving our passengers. However, together with other Uk airports we face a potential unprecedented rise in business rates because of a Government review…This could significantly impact. our business model and ability to invest in growth and development initiatives.”

Northern Runway

Following the Secretary of State for Transport’s letter in February stating she was ‘minded to grant consent’ for the airport’s plans, a final decision on Gatwick’s Northern Runway planning application is expected by 27 October.

In its half-year financial statement, Gatwick noted it was optimistic its £2.2bn privately financed Northern Runway plan will be approved, unlocking 14,000 new jobs and an additional £1bn in economic benefits every year

Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick Chief Executive, said: “The critical final decision on our Northern Runway plans is just weeks away and follows a rigorous and lengthy planning process.

I remain optimistic the Secretary of State will approve our privately financed, shovel-ready plans to unlock further growth for London Gatwick and the UK economy, generating new job, trade and tourism opportunities for generations to come”.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority also accepted London Gatwick’s proposal to extend the current ‘Commitments’ regulatory framework until 31 March 2029 and considered that it represents the interests of consumers.

Gatwick added the proposal also demonstrates the airport’s strong collaboration with airlines, allowing them to plan and grow for the future.

A £7m investment to refurbish the South Terminal and enhance the departure lounge experience for passengers is nearing completion, and a new 3000 space, mid-stay multi-storey car park now provides passengers with better access to the North Terminal.

Retail at a glance

At £491m, total revenue was up on the same period last year, driven by growth in airport, traffic and property charges.

Profit was also up at £129m, with EBITDA at £262m.

Retail revenue for the first half of 2025 was £108.6m, down from £112.2m in 2024.Duty and tax free shopping accounted for toughly 1/3 of total retail revenue.

Gatwick did note however the 2024 figure included a one-off adjustment due to new contract terms for duty and tax free, and with this adjustment taken into account, its retail revenue increased 4.6$ (£4.8m), outpacing the o.4% YoY passenger growth.

Efficiency and sustainability improvements

London Gatwick became the world’s first single-runway airport to adopt NATS’ new Intelligent Approach innovation.

The system dynamically and safely separates aircraft by time, rather than using set distances, and is forecast to increase resilience, reduce delays, and cut carbon emissions.

The airport also continued its commitment to decarbonising the aviation sector by issuing a second sustainability-linked bond to the markets, based on achieving two carbon reduction targets.

A new contract with a specialist renewable energy provider will also advance the airport’s ambitious £250m net zero programme by decarbonising heating and eliminating natural gas in 50 airport buildings, including the North and South terminals.

The first 47 out of what will be a 300-strong EV fleet were also delivered during the period, alongside a £14m investment in 14 electric buses.

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