Gatwick Airport Expansion: What Travellers Need to Know
Published: 25 June 2026 | Category: Airport News | Reading time: 5 minutes
Summary: A High Court judge has upheld the government's approval of Gatwick Airport's £2.2 billion second runway project, clearing the way for the airport to significantly expand capacity before the end of the decade. Separately, a new overnight rail service connecting Gatwick to Reading launched in June 2026, improving access for passengers travelling from the west. Here is what both developments mean if you are flying from Gatwick and planning to rent a car.
What the High Court Ruling Means
On 23 June 2026, High Court Judge Mr Justice Mould dismissed two legal challenges against the government's decision to approve Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway Project. The challenges were brought by Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (Cagne) and the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (Gacc), both of which argued that the environmental impact of the expansion — including noise, air quality, and carbon emissions — had not been properly assessed when Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted planning consent in September 2025.
The judge ruled that Alexander had acted lawfully and that her conclusions were "rational and supported by proper, adequate and intelligible reasons." He also found that it was not contradictory for the government to acknowledge the scheme's environmental effects while still approving it, concluding that the expansion would not materially impact the UK's ability to meet its net zero targets.
Cagne and Gacc have said they will consider an appeal. Under current rules, they have seven days to apply to the Court of Appeal. That process, if pursued, could extend the legal timeline — though the High Court ruling keeps the project on track for now.
What the Expansion Actually Involves
It is worth being precise about what is being built, because the phrase "second runway" can be misleading.
Gatwick already has a northern runway. It has existed for decades as an emergency standby, used only when the main southern runway is closed for maintenance. The approved project involves moving that northern runway 12 metres further north — a relatively modest physical change — which will allow both runways to operate simultaneously under normal conditions.
The £2.2 billion project is privately financed by Gatwick Airport Limited, which is owned by VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners. No public funding is involved.
In practical terms, the change would allow Gatwick to grow from approximately 280,000 flights per year currently to 389,000 by the late 2030s. The airport has indicated the expanded operation could begin before the end of this decade, depending on construction progress and any further legal proceedings.
Travel journalist Simon Calder described the development as "the first meaningful airport expansion in decades" and said it was "nothing but an overwhelming positive" for travellers in south-east England.
What It Means for Travellers
In the short term, nothing changes at Gatwick. The airport continues to operate as a single-runway airport while the legal situation is resolved and construction planning advances. Passengers flying from Gatwick this summer will notice no operational difference.
The longer-term picture is more significant. A two-runway Gatwick would be capable of handling substantially more routes and airlines, which historically translates to greater competition, more schedule flexibility, and in many cases lower fares — particularly on leisure routes where low-cost carriers dominate. Gatwick is primarily a leisure airport, heavily served by easyJet and other budget airlines, and more capacity at the airport tends to benefit price-sensitive travellers most directly.
For passengers in the south-east of England — particularly those in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and south London who currently use Gatwick as their nearest major hub — the expansion represents a meaningful increase in flying options over the next decade.
The concerns raised by local campaigners are real and documented. Residents living under Gatwick's flight paths face increased noise and local air quality impacts. Cagne and Gacc represent communities that will bear the direct environmental costs of expansion, and their decision to pursue an appeal reflects genuine and ongoing concern. Travellers planning to settle in the Crawley, Horley, or Redhill areas should be aware that flight frequency will increase significantly if the project proceeds as approved.
What It Means for Car Rental Customers at Gatwick
For the moment, car rental operations at Gatwick are unaffected. Both terminals — the South Terminal and the North Terminal — continue to operate normally, with rental desks and vehicle collection areas operating as usual.
Looking further ahead, the expansion of Gatwick's capacity will increase the volume of arriving passengers, which will in turn increase demand for car hire at the airport. If you are planning to rent a car at Gatwick during peak summer periods in the coming years, the practical advice is the same as it is now: book early. Demand for vehicles at Gatwick already peaks sharply in July and August, and a busier airport will make advance booking even more important for securing your preferred vehicle category.
One operational consideration worth noting: large-scale construction at airports has historically affected road layouts, signage, and car park access. Gatwick has committed to continuing normal operations throughout the construction phase, and the airport has experience managing major infrastructure works while remaining open. However, travellers returning rental vehicles or using airport car parks during the construction period — expected to begin in the next few years — should allow additional time and check current access information before travelling.
For existing car rental bookings at Gatwick, no changes are required. The High Court ruling has no immediate operational effect on the airport.
The New Overnight Train: A Practical Change Happening Now
While the second runway is still years away, a more immediate improvement for Gatwick travellers arrived earlier this month.
Great Western Railway (GWR) launched a new overnight rail service between Gatwick Airport and Reading on 6 June 2026, operating on a trial basis during the summer period. The service runs on the North Downs line, stopping at Wokingham, Blackwater, North Camp, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate, and Redhill.
Until now, GWR services at Gatwick operated only between 04:30 and 23:30, leaving a gap in the timetable that forced early-morning and late-night passengers to rely on taxis, coaches, or overnight car hire to reach the airport from the west of the region.
The new schedule on Saturdays includes departures from Gatwick at 00:30, 01:24, and 04:00, with journey times of one hour and 20 minutes to Reading. From Reading, trains depart at 02:28 and 03:30. A reduced Monday timetable operates on the same route. GWR has said it will assess demand over the summer before deciding whether to make the overnight service permanent.
This is a genuine and practical improvement for a specific group of travellers: those flying early from Gatwick who live along the North Downs line corridor, and those arriving late at night who need to travel west. For passengers connecting from Reading — a major interchange for trains from the West of England, Wales, and the Thames Valley — the new service removes what has been a persistent gap in Gatwick's surface access.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood described improving sustainable connectivity to airports as "important to support the growth in air travel." Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at London Gatwick, said the service would make travelling to and from the airport "even easier for passengers and staff."
Should You Still Rent a Car at Gatwick?
For many travellers arriving at Gatwick, a rental car remains the most practical option — particularly if your destination is not well served by rail or if you are travelling with luggage, children, or as a group.
Gatwick has on-site rental desks in both the South Terminal and North Terminal, operated by Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and others. Off-airport suppliers also serve the airport from nearby depots with shuttle connections.
The new GWR overnight service is useful for a specific journey type — those travelling between Gatwick and Reading or intermediate stations at unsociable hours. For most other journeys from Gatwick into the wider south of England, a rental car continues to offer the most flexibility.
If you are planning a road trip from Gatwick into Sussex, the South Downs, the Cotswolds, or along the coast, collecting a car at the terminal on arrival remains a straightforward option. The M23 connects directly to the M25, giving access to the wider UK motorway network from the airport within minutes.
What Travellers Should Do Before Arriving at Gatwick
- Check which terminal your flight uses. Gatwick operates both a South Terminal and a North Terminal. Car rental desks, rail connections, and pick-up points differ between the two. Your airline confirmation will confirm which terminal you need.
- Book your rental car in advance. Summer demand at Gatwick is high. Securing your vehicle category ahead of time avoids sold-out options and generally returns a better rate.
- If travelling from Reading or along the North Downs line, check GWR's current overnight schedule before you travel. The service is operating on a trial basis and timetables should be verified at the time of booking.
- Allow extra time for pick-up. Off-airport rental suppliers at Gatwick require a short shuttle transfer. If your supplier is not in the terminal itself, factor in 10 to 20 minutes for the connection.
- Monitor any construction updates. The Northern Runway Project has not yet begun construction. When it does, Gatwick will provide updates on any impact to access roads, car parks, and terminal operations. Check the airport's website before travelling during active construction phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Gatwick Airport's second runway been approved?
Yes. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved the Northern Runway Project in September 2025, granting a Development Consent Order. A High Court challenge against that approval was dismissed on 23 June 2026. Campaigners have indicated they may appeal, but the project is currently approved and moving forward.
When will Gatwick's second runway open?
Gatwick has indicated the expanded two-runway operation could begin before the end of this decade, potentially by 2029. The late 2030s target of 389,000 flights per year represents the longer-term capacity goal. Both timelines depend on construction progress and whether any appeal succeeds.
Does the High Court ruling affect car rental operations at Gatwick?
No. Current operations at Gatwick are unaffected. Rental desks in the South Terminal and North Terminal continue to operate normally.
What is the new GWR overnight service at Gatwick?
Great Western Railway launched a trial overnight service between Gatwick Airport and Reading on 6 June 2026. Trains operate on Saturdays and some Mondays, stopping at Guildford, Redhill, and other stations on the North Downs line. Journey time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
Is the new overnight train service permanent?
Not yet. GWR is running the service on a trial basis during summer 2026. The company will assess demand before deciding whether to continue it long-term.
Should I rent a car or take the train from Gatwick?
It depends on your destination. The new overnight GWR service is useful if you are travelling to Reading or stations along the North Downs line at night. For destinations not served by the direct rail network, or for group travel and longer road trips, renting a car at the terminal remains the most practical option.
Sources: BBC News (23 June 2026), Reuters (23 June 2026), London Gatwick Airport official statement (23 June 2026), GWR press release (6 June 2026). All figures and quotes are drawn from confirmed public statements. The appeal timeline and construction schedule remain subject to change.
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