London Gatwick is targeting a huge passenger increase once it gets a second runway.

The UK’s second-busiest airport, London Gatwick (LGW), has launched its largest-ever food and beverage (F&B) tender for a collection of what it calls “flagship hospitality locations” across its two terminals.

The move comes as a £2.2bn ($2.9bn*) privately-funded second runway has been green-lit despite a legal challenge and will boost growth, enabling LGW to serve up to 80 million passengers a year. Last year, the airport – which is 50.01% owned by Vinci Airports and the rest by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) – processed 42.8m passengers, down -1.1%.

Six F&B units spanning more than 3,800sq m are available. LGW states: “This represents one of the most significant hospitality opportunities currently available in the UK travel sector.” The airport is seeking hospitality partners to help shape the next phase of its commercial offering as the benefits of the Northern Runway Programme begin to materialise.

Major milestone coming

The new dual runway system is expected to unlock long-term growth from 2030, allowing brands to serve a larger international passenger base. In August, referring to the new infrastructure, the UK’s Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “This is a major milestone for Gatwick with expansion unlocking investment and creating thousands of new jobs. Around 13 million more passengers and 100,000 more flights will give holidaymakers greater choice and strengthen global links.”

The Gatwick F&B tender is concentrated in the South Terminal where opportunities for quick service and fast casual concepts include units measuring 309sq m, 320sq m, 547sq m and 790sq m, alongside a dedicated pub space of 647sq m. In the North Terminal, retailers are invited to bid for a pub unit spanning 1,084sq m.

The trading spaces are available either as individual opportunities or as part of a wider portfolio proposition, enabling operators to tailor bids accordingly.

Stephane Geffroy, LGW’s Head of Retail, says: “This is a landmark opportunity. We are looking for ambitious operators that can deliver standout concepts, exciting new trends, exceptional customer experiences, and a varied F&B offer that reflects the needs of our diverse passenger base. This tender allows brands to establish themselves at the heart of one of the UK’s most important airports at the most significant time in our history.”

Interested parties should email the London Gatwick commercial team for further information and detailed tender documents. Bid submissions close at 12pm (midday) on 10 November 2026.

* FX conversions at today’s rate.

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