Gatwick South Terminal, which officially opened on 9 June 1958, is notable for its 32 gates with jetbridges and 7 remote gates. At its opening, it featured 11 aircraft stands and was one of the first airports in the world to have an enclosed pier-based terminal. This design allowed passengers to walk under cover to waiting areas near the aircraft, providing significant convenience. Gatwick’s modular design enabled phased expansions, including a circular satellite pier connected to the main terminal by the UK’s first automated people mover system, later replaced by a walkway and travelators.
In the past decade, Gatwick Airport has undergone significant upgrades, with £1.2 billion invested from 2008 to 2014. The South Terminal benefited the most from these upgrades, including a new security zone with 19 lanes, a separate entrance for travellers with disabilities and those with small children, and a premium lane for first-class and business passengers.
The Gatwick Airport Terminal S offers a wide variety of amenities and services designed to make travel hassle-free and pleasant. It serves numerous airlines, ensuring a comprehensive range of destinations for travellers.
The flight board for Gatwick departures from South Terminal, as seen in the attached snapshot, provides real-time updates on flight statuses. Here are the details shown:
For example, the board lists for the Gatwick South departures for today an easyJet flight to Glasgow (U2863) which was scheduled to depart at 16:00 but actually departed at 16:22.
The departures board includes flights to a variety of destinations such as Mauritius, Amsterdam, Split, Florence, Barcelona, Izmir, Guernsey, Bari, Alicante, and Paris, operated by airlines including Air Mauritius, easyJet, British Airways, Vueling, Go2Sky, TUI Airways, and Aurigny Air Services.
The departures information displayed is constantly synchronised with the official LGW departures data. Please note that our online board is not an official source from Gatwick Airport, and we do not take responsibility for its accuracy compared to the actual London Gatwick departures schedule.
Gatwick Airport South Terminal departures operate from both the North and South Terminals; however, the majority of airlines fly from the South Terminal.
Check-in desks at Gatwick are clearly signposted by yellow illuminated cubes displaying the number of the check-in zone. To find your check-in zone, check one of the monitors at any entrance for your flight and check-in information, which are displayed next to each other.
Check-in desks in the South Terminal are located on the 3rd floor, accessible from the train station or car parks. Zones A-K are positioned from left to right as you enter the floor.
Online check-in: Many airlines allow you to check-in online from 30 days up to 48 hours before your departure time. Visit your airline’s website and log in with your booking details to confirm.
Enhanced security measures mean that checking in can take longer than it used to. It is advised that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time:
In the event of flight delays or cancellations, passengers may be entitled to compensation. It is recommended to check with your airline for specific policies and procedures regarding flight compensation.
The flight board for Gatwick South Terminal arrivals provides essential real-time updates on incoming flights. The local time is prominently displayed at the top right corner, allowing passengers and those awaiting arrivals to easily reference it.
Key Details Displayed:
The information regarding the flight arrivals at Gatwick South Terminal displayed is constantly synchronised with the official LGW arrivals data. Please note that our online board is not an official source from Gatwick Airport, and we do not take responsibility for its accuracy compared to the actual London Gatwick arrivals schedule.
For passengers requiring additional assistance, Gatwick South Terminal offers comprehensive support services. This includes special assistance for disabled passengers, family-friendly facilities, and quiet zones for those who need a peaceful environment. Information on these services can be found on the Gatwick Airport website or at the help desks located throughout the terminal.
The arrivals hall at Gatwick’s South Terminal is situated on Level 2, with a clearly signposted designated meeting point to facilitate easy rendezvous with friends and family.
After disembarking from your aircraft and entering the terminal building, you will need to pass through Passport Control.
After passing through Passport Control, follow the yellow signs for ‘Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim’. Check the information screens to find out which carousel your bags will arrive on, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Once you have collected your baggage, you may need to pass through Customs. Follow the relevant signs and procedures to complete this step.
Gatwick South Terminal offers several amenities to enhance your arrival experience:
By following these steps and utilising the services available, passengers can ensure a smooth and efficient process for arrivals to Gatwick South.
It manages most of Gatwick Airport’s traffic, catering to domestic, international, and charter flights.
British Airways began with 23 destinations to Europe and the Caribbean, and now flies to nearly 75 destinations, connecting London with the EU, the Caribbean, Florida, and countries in the Indian Ocean.
In January 2017, British Airways changed terminals at Gatwick, moving their flights from the North Terminal to the South Terminal.
The current British Airways check-in area at Gatwick Airport Terminal South is brighter and closer to the LGW railway station.
Ryanair is a well-known low-cost airline from Ireland. Initially a small company, it linked Waterford and London Gatwick. In 2016, it was recognised as the largest airline in Europe by passenger numbers and noted for carrying the most international passengers worldwide.
Following the 1997 crisis in the European aviation industry, Ryanair rapidly expanded due to its low-cost service model.
Today, Ryanair operates from Gatwick Terminal S and flies to over 35 destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Thomas Cook is a British airline company that primarily serves leisure destinations worldwide from its main bases at Gatwick and Manchester Airports, as well as other airports across the UK.
Currently, Thomas Cook Airlines operates flights to destinations in the EU, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. The airline also provides charter flights from the United Kingdom to various global destinations.
Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest airline in Scandinavia, is a low-cost carrier from Norway. It ranks as the third-largest low-cost airline in Europe. The company offers frequent domestic flights and services to business destinations, including London. Norwegian operates from Terminal S at Gatwick. Passengers flying Norwegian from Gatwick’s South Terminal have the option of using self-service check-in. They simply need to find the self-service kiosks, enter their booking details, and print their boarding pass.
Private lounges at Gatwick remain open for passengers, providing a comfortable waiting environment with complimentary snacks and drinks.
The No1 lounge at Gatwick South is located in the new area of the terminal and offers visitors panoramic views of the runways, free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, and a bar.
Currently, entry to the No1 Lounge is found on the upper level of the departures zone while a new entrance is being constructed.
Admission to the lounge costs around £40 for adults and £20 for children, with free entry for infants. However, you can save up to £7 per person by booking in advance online.
The Clubrooms in Gatwick’s South Terminal are located on the upper level of the departure lounge. They greet travellers with a decadent design and splendid views of the airstrip.
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the Clubrooms. Admission for adults is £50, or £45 if booked in advance.
Regus Express is a new business lounge located in the South Terminal arrivals area at Gatwick, before security. Part of a UK-wide network, this elegant, fully-equipped lounge offers meeting rooms for business communication before or after flights.
Online booking is available, but walk-in guests are also welcome. The lounge can accommodate up to 12 delegations simultaneously, and its state-of-the-art services, based on innovative technologies, facilitate highly productive meetings, so may be considered the best lounge at Gatwick South for many.
Additionally, Regus Express offers shower facilities, providing extra comfort for travellers after a long-haul flight.
Gatwick South Terminal offers a diverse range of retail stores. Before passing through security control, there are 15 stores, while an additional 27 stores are available after security control.
Fashion & Accessories
Shoppers can explore Gatwick South shops like Accessorize, La Senza, Monsoon, Sunglass Hut, Tie Rack, Goldsmiths, Mango, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Next, Ted Baker, Swatch, Ray-Ban, Shoe Studio, and Fat Face for a variety of clothing and accessories.
Essentials & Beauty
For essential items and beauty products, passengers can visit Boots, The Body Shop, and Clinique.
Technology & Entertainment
Technology and entertainment needs are covered by Game Grid, Impulse, Dixons, Best of the Best Supercars, and HMV.
Gifts
For gifts, there are stores like Glorious Britain, The Pen Shop, World Duty Free, and World of Whiskies.
Travel & Sports
Travel items can be found at Antler, Excess Baggage Company, and Rolling Luggage, while JD Sports caters to sports enthusiasts.
Kids & Books
Hamley’s offers a range of toys for children, and WHSmith provides a selection of books and magazines.
Gatwick South restaurants offer a diverse range of dining options, with approximately 17 different cafés and restaurants.
For those looking to dine in, options include Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar, Est Caffe, Frankie and Benny’s, and Garfunkels, all providing a comfortable sit-down meal experience.
If you prefer light snacks or fast food, you can choose from Apostrophe, Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Marks & Spencer Simply Food, McDonald’s, Metro Cafe Bar, Pret a Manger, and Shake a Hula. These outlets offer quick and convenient meals for travellers on the go.
For coffee lovers and those seeking a place to relax with a drink, there are several bars and coffee houses such as Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, The Bridge Bar, Wetherspoons, Flying Horse, and Village Inn.
This variety of South Terminal Gatwick restaurants ensures that all passengers can find something to suit their culinary needs, whether they have time for a leisurely meal or need a quick bite before their flight.
For those coming to the terminal to pick someone up, there are several convenient Gatwick South pick up options available.
The Express Pick Up zones, located in the Short Stay car parks, provide a quick and easy way to collect passengers. At the South Terminal, this zone is situated in Car Park 3, Level 0. These areas are designated for quick pick-ups only, so vehicles cannot be left unattended. The fee for this service is the standard short-stay car park rate.
If you prefer to meet travellers inside the arrivals area, you should park in the short stay car park, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal.
Alternatively, you can pick up friends or loved ones free of charge by using one of the Long Stay car parks. Vehicles can be left here without any fee for up to 2 hours, providing a cost-effective option for those waiting for arrivals.
Those coming to Gatwick South Terminal to see someone off have several options available.
Firstly, you can use the specially designated drop-off areas on the forecourts outside the terminal building. This option is free, allowing travellers to walk straight to the departure check-in zone. However, drivers must leave these areas quickly, as waiting is not allowed to prevent traffic congestion.
The second option for the Gatwick South drop off is the short stay car parks, ideal for those who want to spend some time saying goodbye to their loved ones. This facility is available for a fee.
Please find below the Gatwick Airport South Terminal map. It will help any traveller navigate the terminal easily and quickly.
South Terminal at Gatwick is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get there:
Gatwick Airport is directly linked to the M23 motorway at Junction 9 and the A23 London-Brighton road. For those coming from the M25, it’s a short 10-minute drive from Junction 7. The postcode for the South Terminal is RH6 0NP, which can be used for GPS navigation.
Gatwick South is serviced by the Gatwick Express, a non-stop train that runs every 15 minutes to and from London Victoria, taking just 30 minutes. Southern and Thameslink trains also provide frequent services to various destinations across London and the South-East, including direct routes to London Bridge, St Pancras International, and Brighton.
National Express and other coach services run frequent routes to London Gatwick South Terminal from major cities and towns across the UK. Local bus services also connect the airport with nearby towns and cities.
Gatwick Airport South terminal address: Perimeter Rd E, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, UK
Gatwick South Terminal postcode: RH6 0NP
