Gatwick Airport's rich history mirrors the evolution of air travel itself, reflecting the dynamic and transformative nature of the aviation industry. From its modest beginnings in the late 1920s as a small aerodrome, Gatwick has grown into a global aviation hub, bearing witness to significant historical moments along the way. Its wartime role as RAF Gatwick showcased its adaptability and resilience, and in the post-war era, the visionary architects who shaped its modern design set a new standard for airport development. The airport's growth in the 1960s, with airlines like British United Airways and Dan-Air leading the way, marked a pivotal turning point, solidifying Gatwick's status in both scheduled and charter services. Over the decades, Gatwick has not only served as a gateway to the world but also as a reflection of the ever-changing dynamics and growth of the aviation industry, making it a testament to human ingenuity and progress in air travel.
Night flights at Gatwick
Stansted: By contrast, Stansted currently has permission to operate 12,000 night flights per year, between 11.30pm – 6am, more than twice as many as are permitted at Heathrow.
Heathrow: Heathrow is restricted to 5,800 night take-offs & landings per year between 11.30pm- 6am.
Gatwick: The number of flights allowed at Gatwick between 11.30 pm and 6.00 am is limited by a quota – at present 11,200 in the summer (seven months) and 3,250 in winter. That is a total of 14,450 flights per year.
The numbers of flights at night at the three “designated” airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) are controlled by the Night Flying restrictions, from the DfT.