Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal will reopen on Sunday 27 March, after almost two years, as British Airways’ short-haul routes return, alongside increased operations from EasyJet, Wizz Air and Vueling.
The move will help meet demand as people look to make summer travel plans.
The news comes as travel requirements have changed for those arriving in the UK, with fully vaccinated passengers no longer needing to test.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer at Gatwick Airport, said: “After an incredibly challenging two years for the airport, our partners, local communities and the entire aviation industry 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 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, a family visit, a 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.”
British Airways will commence short-haul flights from the South Terminal on 29 March with 29 new European destinations added. Vueling, BA’s low-cost sister airline, is also expanding its operations, adding five new routes and three aircraft to Gatwick. Wizz Air has also added 18 new routes, while EasyJet is gearing up to run their busiest schedule from Gatwick.
Travellers can now book tickets to more than 30 long-haul destinations from Gatwick, including the USA, Dubai, the Caribbean, Canada, Bangkok, Mauritius, and more. The increased demand is good news for the local job community as airports recover from the impact of the pandemic.