London Gatwick reported higher revenue and EBITDA for the first half of 2026 despite a decline in passenger numbers, as the airport prepares to move ahead with its long-awaited Northern Runway Programme.
Revenue increased 4.8% to £515.2 million during the first six months of the year, while EBITDA rose 5.5% to £276.5 million.
Passenger traffic declined 4.7% to 19.1 million, with Gatwick attributing the reduction primarily to disruption related to the conflict in the Middle East and capacity reductions by some low-cost airlines.
The results come shortly after the airport cleared the final legal hurdle for its Northern Runway Programme, allowing one of the UK’s largest privately financed infrastructure projects to move from planning into detailed design and delivery.
“Despite a challenging geopolitical and economic backdrop, London Gatwick has continued to perform well, grow its network and deliver a world-class service for passengers,” said Chief Executive Pierre Hugues-Schmit.
Gatwick expands network to 231 destinations
Despite the overall decline in passenger numbers, Gatwick continued to attract new airlines during the first half of 2026.
Seven carriers launched operations at the airport during the period, including Jet2, Air France, Condor and Eurowings.
Air Zimbabwe and Air Arabia subsequently joined Gatwick during the second half of the year.
The airport now offers flights to 231 destinations through more than 60 airlines, strengthening its mix of short-haul, long-haul, full-service and low-cost connectivity.
Operational performance also remained stable during the first six months of 2026.
According to Gatwick, 95% of passengers passed through airport security in five minutes or less, while the airport achieved 99% of its agreed passenger service measures.
Northern Runway Programme moves into delivery phase
A major development for Gatwick came in August when the Court of Appeal rejected legal challenges to the Northern Runway Programme.
The decision concluded an eight-year planning and legal process for the project.
The UK government had approved the development in September 2025, but outstanding legal challenges prevented the airport from moving fully into the delivery stage.
With those challenges now concluded, Gatwick can begin detailed design and implementation work.
The project will bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside its main runway, significantly increasing Gatwick’s long-term capacity.
Gatwick estimates that the development could create 14,000 jobs and contribute an additional £1 billion annually to the UK economy.
“We are also excited about our longer-term growth opportunities and with the legal process for the Northern Runway Programme now complete, we can turn our focus from planning to detailed design work and delivery,” Hugues-Schmit said.
“This is one of the UK’s largest privately financed infrastructure projects.”
£1.9 billion investment programme continues
The Northern Runway project is progressing alongside Gatwick’s existing £1.9 billion capital investment programme.
One of the largest projects currently underway is the £140 million western extension of Pier 6.
Construction remains on schedule, with completion expected in early 2027.
Gatwick is also investing in technology intended to improve the utilisation of its existing airport infrastructure.
Smart Stand technology, developed with easyJet and DHL, uses artificial intelligence to monitor and improve aircraft turnaround processes.
The system is intended to help airlines and ground teams coordinate operations more efficiently while allowing Gatwick to make better use of available airfield capacity.
Robotic parking introduced at Gatwick
The airport has also introduced robotic parking as part of its investment in passenger-facing technology.
The service launched in August ahead of the peak summer travel period and provides a new mid- to long-stay parking option close to Gatwick’s South Terminal.
The system allows passengers to leave their vehicle in a designated area before robotic technology moves and stores the car, removing the need for drivers to search for a parking space themselves.
The combination of airfield technology, terminal investment and the Northern Runway project forms part of Gatwick’s strategy to increase capacity while improving operational efficiency.
Gatwick calls for stable aviation policy
Alongside its financial results, Gatwick called on the UK government to maintain a policy environment that supports long-term private investment in aviation infrastructure.
Hugues-Schmit highlighted business rates as one area where the airport would like to see a more stable and proportionate approach.
“As we look ahead, it is important that the wider policy environment continues to support businesses that are investing for the long term,” he said.
The airport argues that maintaining the competitiveness of the UK aviation sector will be important as it commits substantial private capital to infrastructure designed to support future passenger growth.
With the Northern Runway Programme now through its planning and legal stages, the coming years will see Gatwick shift its focus towards construction and delivery while continuing its existing terminal and airfield investment programme.
