Gatwick Airport : One Of The Most Famous Airports In The UK
Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It stands in the top 30 busiest airports in the world, and is the 8th largest in Europe by passenger traffic. It also has the single busiest runway in the world.
Though it is a relatively old airport, it has been regularly modernized, and just recently they announced a further one billion pound investment would be made in improving their infrastructure. Those responsible for running the airport feel that this investment will allow them to match, or even surpass, Heathrow airport, whose shadow it is has constantly had to exist under, in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility.
With a long history as a major hub of air travel, Gatwick has served as a gateway between London and the rest of the world for millions of people. However even with all the things Gatwick is famous for, there are just as many elements of its history that are not quite as evident, and can be a joy for the inquisitive historian to discover.
#1 – Advances in Architecture
In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. It was an extraordinary achievement, as it was the first terminal to combine literally every necessary stage of air travel. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus.
#2 – Private Fliers
Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In its early years, it was used as a home for a private flying club. The Surrey Aero Club used their growing prestige to promote interest in flying in general, and helped contribute to the continued growth of the airfield, to the point that Gatwick received its first commercial flying licenses in 1934.
#3 – Royal Attentions
Gatwick has been graced on two separate occasions with a Royal presence at important opening ceremonies. In 1956 the airport temporarily closed in order to undergo a major redevelopment, and it was Queen Elizabeth II who oversaw the ceremonies in 1958. Then, thirty years later, the Queen and Prince Phillip were also present for the opening of the new North Terminal as well.
#4 – World War II
During the second World War, all available resources had to be turned toward keeping Britain safe from the German Luftwaffe. Planes that were based at and flew from Gatwick airport played a pivotal role in Britain’s success in winning the battle of the skies, which ultimately led to the success of the Allies as a whole.
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