As the festive season arrives, Gatwick Airport is preparing for one of its busiest Christmas seasons yet.
Around two million passengers are expected to pass through the UK’s second largest airport between December 13, and January 5. Overall, the highest number of passengers is expected on December 22, when around 60,000 travellers will fly out of the airport. However, Gatwick is also planning for one of its busiest Christmas Day’s yet, with passenger numbers expected to be around 16,000.
‘With people jetting off for the festivities we’re expecting to see passenger growth of about 4.5 percent and we’re well equipped to handle those extra people,’ said Nick Pope, Terminal Operations at London Gatwick. ‘We strive to make air travel as stress-free as possible – whether that’s making sure people can get through security in less than five minutes or having extra help on hand to assist passengers with their onward journeys. This year though, with planned rail works, we’re advising all passengers to check Network Rail’s website well ahead of travelling.
‘Those jetting off for a spot of winter sun – or indeed for some time on the slopes – will also benefit from our new range of shops which have just opened in the South Terminal. Including Snow + Rock, Zara and Ted Baker, it’s a great place to pick up ski accessories or for some last minute Christmas shopping.’
The top ten Christmas break destinations from London Gatwick include the ski slopes of Geneva in first place, as well as long-haul sun destinations like Dubai (at fifth). The others in the list include Barcelona, Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Tenerife, Edinburgh, Madrid and Copenhagen.
Bringing Christmas cheer for passengers, Gatwick Airport’s choir, The High Altitunes, will be singing on the December 17 and 18 in both the South Terminals. The choir will be singing a mixture of Christmas carols and songs as well as other festive music.
Other Christmas activities to entertain passengers at the airport include The London Gospel Choir, storytelling from a puppeteer polar bear and Eskimo, a Michael Buble tribute singer and complimentary mince pies.
Gatwick will also have London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games volunteers to welcome passengers at the airport for Christmas.
