posted by Vacation Home Rentals on May 9
BAA Gatwick Airport is the 10th busiest international airport in the world. Gatcwick is the UK’s second largest airport, behind Heathrow, and is considered to be the worlds busiest singe runway airport.
Opened by her majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June, 1958, Gatwick celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008. The name ‘Gatwick’ is, like many British place names, derived from old Anglo-Saxon words, in this case meaning ‘goat farm’ or ‘goat dairy farm’ to be more accurate.
Gatwick was the first UK airport to have its own railway station and a direct rail link. As the passenger numbers increased so the airport has expanded to accommodate them. In 1984 the airport opened a new air traffic control tower and a new non-stop rail service between Gatwick and Victoria was started. The new North terminal at Gatwick was opened by the Queen in 1988.
The airport has continued to undergo further expansion with an extension to the South Terminal departure lounge in 2000 and a similar expansion to the North terminal departure lounge in 2005. The airport South Terminal had another extension added in 2008 and a new upstairs security search area was added.
Gatwick currently supports over 80 airlines flying to more than 220 destinations worldwide. Some of the most popular destinations from Gatwick are actually closer to home with many passengers using Gatwick for domestic, European and Irish flights. Airlines including US operators Delta, Northwest and Continental now offer a huge selection of long-haul flights to all areas of the world. The airport has received numerous awards including the 2008 Travel Bulletin ‘Best UK Airport’ award for the fifth year running.
Travellers are spoiled with an abundance of Gatwick parking facilities or they can use the excellent train services running direct to the airport. The airport is jam packed with top class restaurants and a variety of high street shops. It’s looking like Gatwick will contiune to grow in popularity as as major international transport hub.
