Gatwick airport will unveil its upgraded station facilities later this month.
The £250 million project has included the creation of a second concourse and airport entrance, with eight new escalators, five new lifts, four new stairways and widened platforms.
The existing station concourse has also been expanded, with new customer information systems, more ticket gates, and a dedicated passenger assistance point.
When the upgraded facilities open on Tuesday 21 November, the new concourse will act as the entrance for people accessing the airport terminal, with the existing concourse being used for those exiting.
Rail operator Govia Thameslink – which operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services through the airport – said that the upgrades would result in “easier journeys from train to plane”, helping to “keep trains running on time by removing the congestion and queuing on platforms that delay trains”.
Gatwick is also in the midst of a multi-million-pound redevelopment of its North Terminal, including a modernised departure lounge with new flooring, “contemporary seating” with power points, local artwork depicting scenes of the surrounding region, and improved sightlines and wayfinding.
Gatwick’s North Terminal undergoes multi-million-pound redevelopment
Commenting on the news Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said:
“Our trains sustainably speed people to the airport in just half an hour from London – and that’s much better for the environment than driving.
“However, right now, the station struggles with the numbers using it and that holds up our trains, delaying everyone.
“This stunning redevelopment will fix all that. Our customers are going to love the extra space and improved accessibility that will make the journey between train and plane quicker, easier and more attractive.”