Gatwick Airport closure

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Gatwick Airport closure

With the severe and unpredicdented impact of COVID-19 on the global aviation sector - including a damatic fall in passengers numbers and airline traffic - we have taken the very difficult decision to close Gatwick Airport temporarily to protect both our staff and passengers and also to protect our business from the impact of COVID-19.

Here are some Q&As to help answer any questions you may have:

General questions

Why have you closed the airport when some flights were still operating?

Gatwick has taken the very difficult decision to temporarily close the airport, initially for xxx weeks, due to the severe and unparalleled impact that COVID-19 has had on our airline traffic. This meant that closing Gatwick temporarily became necessary to immediately reduce costs and protect the business, so the airport is in a position to recover quickly as soon as this crisis has passed.

This decision will also help to ensure that the airport continues to generate jobs and economic benefits for the region and wider economy well into the future.

We sincerely apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience our decision may cause. The decision to close the airport was not taken lightly and, while this is an unprecedented situation, we hope to be able to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

Other airports are still open, why are you taking this decision?

Other airports have said that they are experiencing the same issues as Gatwick and are likely to take steps in the future.

Is the whole airport closed?

Yes, all of Gatwick Airport is closed to passengers.

The closure applies to all airport services, including flights, terminal operations and third-party businesses such as retail and catering outlets, baggage and ground handlers, logistics, waste and cleaning companies and car hire and car parking providers.

Returning passengers will, however, be able to access their vehicles if left in our car parks and we will have staff on-site to assist with this. Please go to the South Terminal Valet Office, located in Car Park 2, level 2 where you will be driven to where your car is parked.

Gatwick Airport train station, which is managed by GTR will also close. Rail services nationwide are also set to be reduced so we recommend you check the latest train schedules with National Rail Enquiries.

How long will the airport be closed for?

We do not have a firm timeframe at present, and are initially closing for xxxx weeks. However the situation will be kept under regular review, with a decision taken on reopening as and when airline traffic increases to appropriate levels.

Can I still use the restaurants and shops?

No, both South and North Terminals will be closed to the public, including all shops, restaurants and other facilities.

Flight information

Will any flights be operating from Gatwick?

No, there will be no inbound or outbound flights throughout the duration of the airport closure. Please speak to your airline if your flight is still scheduled to depart or arrive at Gatwick in coming weeks.

How do I get a refund or rearrange my flight?

Please speak to your airline for any information around your flight, including transfers and refunds. We have compiled a full list of airline contact details

My flight has not been cancelled. Where will it be operating from now?

Please speak to your airline for any information around your flight. We have compiled a full list of airline contact details

Will Gatwick be offering me compensation?

Please speak directly to your airline for information about refunds. You may also be able to claim compensation via your travel insurance provider or, alternatively, from your credit card provider if you used that method of payment.

We have a list of airline contacts here.

Public transport

Can I still use Gatwick Airport train station?

Gatwick Airport train station, which is managed by GTR, will also close so anyone who would usually use the station will have to make alternative arrangements. This may involve travelling by train to another station and then using local bus services or other transport services.

Rail services nationwide are also set to be reduced so anyone requiring the latest train times should visit National Rail Enquiries.

Will trains still run through Gatwick, even if they are not stopping?

Yes – trains will continue to run through Gatwick to the wider region, including the Gatwick Express services scheduled to operate to and from Brighton and Victoria.

The dedicated Gatwick Express services from the airport to Victoria will stop, however, and in general, train services are likely to be reduced across the region and nationwide due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Please check with National Rail Enquiries for more information.

Will the airport roads remain open?

The roads will remain open and will be regularly patrolled by airport security, operational vehicles and the police.

Can I still use the local buses which stop at Gatwick Airport?

Local Metrobus services will continue to run but are likely to have a reduced schedule. However, as the airport and station will be closed, we don’t advise you use Gatwick as an interchange at this time.

Find out more from: https://www.metrobus.co.uk/

Will coach services, like National Express, still operate?

Coach services will be severely limited. If you have booked a coach, please contact National Express directly or the appropriate coach company: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

Will taxis be operating from the airport?

We expect a very limited taxi service to be available at the airport with our partner, Airport Cars. You can also contact local taxi firms directly for more information.

Car parks

Will I be charged extra if my return is delayed due to my flight be cancelled or changed?

No you won't. We understand that you may be delayed arriving back at Gatwick due to disruption. Please go to the South Terminal Valet Office (Car Park 2 Level 2) where your ticket will be validated for you. If necessary staff will drive you to collect your car.

Access to short stay car parks in both terminals will be maintained.

I have booked parking in advance. How do I cancel my booking?

You can cancel or amend your car park booking up to 24 hours before your time of arrival. Log into the Manage My Booking page with your booking reference and email address you can cancel your booking. You will be given a full refund after cancelling.

How do I get my car if the airport is closed

If the airport is closed and your car is still parked in one of our car parks, please make your way to the South Terminal Valet Office (Car Park 2 Level 2) where staff will be able to help you.

Passengers parked in the long-stay car parks will be transported to their vehicle via minibus from the South Terminal Valet Office (Car Park 2 Level 2). This information will be available on all long-stay bus stops and will also be communicated to passengers via email. Customers will not be charged for any additional car parking stay due to airport closure.

Passengers with cars in valet parking will be informed where to collect their vehicles via email.