London Gatwick Airport (LGW) will throw open the doors to its South Terminal from Sunday 27 Match after being closed for nearly two years.

The announcement today (11 February), ahead of the half term, offers a big boost to holidaymakers as the likes of Vueling, British Airways and Wizz Air reintroduce their short haul routes.

Airlines restarting at the terminal include British Airways, Vueling, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, TAP, Eastern Airways, Aurigny, Aer Lingus, Air Baltic, Air Malta, Air Europa and Enter Air.

Gatwick’s largest carrier easyJet, which has taken more slots as it anticipates flying its busiest schedule ever from the airport, will operate across both terminals.

Flights have been operating out of the North Terminal since 15 June 2020.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS EASED

News of the reopening emerges on a day (11 February) when testing requirements for arrivals into the UK have been eased, with pre-departure and post-arrival tests scrapped for double-jabbed passengers and those under the age of 18 [though different rules remain for unvaccinated passengers and those that have been in a red list country 10 days prior to arrival – Ed].

BA will restart its short-haul services from Tuesday 29 March and is adding 35 new European routes, while Wizz Air will scale up through 18 new routes.

 

In addition, low-cost carrier and fellow International Airlines Group member Vueling announced last month an expansion of its operations, with five new short-haul routes.

Gatwick and its partners have been recruiting for some time across a range of sectors including retail, airlines and ground handling.

More than 2,000 jobs remain available for positions such as security officers, IT specialists, engineers, shop and restaurant workers, ground and cargo handlers, and cabin crew.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport said: “After an incredibly challenging two years for the airport, our partners, local communities and the entire aviation industry, we are delighted to be reopening our South Terminal next month.

“Following some major announcements from our airlines about significantly increased flying schedules, and from government on removing travel restrictions and airport slot regulations, we can now look forward to once again operating a busy Gatwick this summer and beyond.

“Today’s news means Gatwick and our partners can also begin recruiting new staff to help us meet this demand, which is excellent news for local people who have been so badly impacted by the effects of the pandemic.

“With our airlines now operating hugely increased flying programmes, our passengers can once again choose from a fantastic range of destinations – both short and long haul – whether booking a holiday, family visit, business trip – or that bucket list adventure they have dreamt of for years.

“It may, however, take time for consumer confidence to fully recover, so I urge government to make 2022 the year when all travel restrictions are removed, including the unpopular passenger locator form and other remaining barriers to free travel.”