COVID-19 FAQS

Yes, it is compulsory to wear a face covering while travelling through Gatwick Airport. Airlines may also have specific rules and guidelines in place, so please make sure you check with your airline before you travel.

Face coverings do not need to be worn by children under the age of 11 or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 

We have conducted a trial for temperature checking at Gatwick, although you may not come across this during your journey.

You may be used to seeing temperature checks at airports around the world, as some airports operate checks year-round regardless of outbreaks of illnesses. You may have arrived at Gatwick from an airport that checked your temperature before you boarded your plane. 

Following Public Health England (PHE) advice, there are currently no permanent temperature checks at Gatwick or any other UK airport. According to PHE’s medical, clinically informed, and evidence driven approach to identify those at risk, temperature checks are not a required or effective way of keeping the public safe. 

Yes, signs and floor markings have been installed to remind all passengers to maintain social distancing and respect others around them as they travel through the airport. In addition, only family groups or people travelling in the same party can travel in lifts together, and some may also restrict the number of people at any one time. Staircases will also be segregated and designated either for up or down travel.

Certain destinations now require a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel. In addition the UK Government Test & Release scheme allows passengers to reduce quarantine time by providing a negative COVID-19 test 5 days after arrival, if they have arrived from a country not on the red list.

New arrival rules mean you will need to pre-book a COVID-19 testing package to take on day 2 and day 8 of your quarantine. You will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace with the results to these tests.

Find out more on our dedicated Covid-19 testing and quarantine page.

Due to government guidelines, many shops and restaurants at Gatwick are currently closed. In the North Terminal a small number of shops are open. If you need to grab a bite to eat you have choice of Pret A Manger, Starbucks, Boots and WHSmith. Costa Coffee before security is also open. 

See the full list of our outlets which are now open. 

Yes, the inter-terminal transit shuttle is running between the North Terminal and the South Terminal (for the Train Station).

Yes, our special assistance services are still available should you need them. If you require help at the airport, please book as normal through your airline or tour operator.

We have implemented a range of new COVID-19 measures to keep you safer, including new screens at our reception desks and on our buggies, frequent and deep cleaning of all areas and special training for our staff.  

Our special assistance desks are located inside the terminal and someone will be able to help you. If you need assistance from outside the terminal, please use one of the help phones located on our forecourts or inside the car parks to speak to a member of our team.  

For more information about special assistance, please see our dedicated pages.

Yes, the children's play area in North terminal has re-opened with enhanced cleaning, in line with Government guidelines.

No, the sensory room is currently closed.

Yes, all international arrivals (including UK nationals) must self isolate for 10 days unless you complete the Test to Release scheme. More information can be found on the Government website.

Travel to countries on the Government Red List is restricted to UK nationals, Irish nationals and UK residents. If you arrive from or have travelled through a country on the UK Government Red List in the 10 days before travel then you must pre-book a mandatory hotel quarantine.

All international arrivals must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure for entry into the UK. More information can be found on the Government website. You must pre-book a testing package from the UK Government, to take on day 2 and day 8 of your quarantine.

All passengers (with certain exemptions) arriving into the UK or back into the UK after being abroad must complete a Government form and either print or save it to your phone. This can be done up to 48 hours before travelling to the UK. 

More information and complete the form

Yes, the Short Stay car park at North Terminal is open (suitable for stays of any length). The Short Stay car park at South Terminal is open to roll-up customers only - this is the only parking available at the South Terminal. Valet Parking at both North and South Terminals is closed. Customers with a booking for Long Stay parking at North Terminal will be fulfilled at the Short Stay North car park. For full details on the COVID-19 measures in our car parks check here.

To book, click here.

We understand that many airlines have cancelled flights and our passengers are changing their travel plans, in reaction to the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic. We'd like to reassure you that cancellations to any bookings you’ve made – parking, airport lounges or Premium Security - can be made free of charge up to 24 hours prior to your original booking time by using the Manage Orders page on our website.

Please remember that you must speak to your airline directly however to discuss any changes to your flight.

We understand that you may have to change your travel plans in the coming weeks but would still like to use the Gatwick service you had previously booked. We would like to reassure you that amendments to your booking can be made up to 24 hours prior to your original booking time. 

Should you need to do this, you can follow the 'Manage my booking' link on your original booking confirmation email.

Most lounges are currently closed at Gatwick due to Government restrictions. Reopening dates are TBC.

If your lounge access is provided by your airline or another provider, we advise you to contact your airline or the relevant lounge directly for more information.

If your travel arrangements have been cancelled or changed, please contact us to rebook or cancel your lounge booking.

A reduced service is operating across most rail networks in the UK, including at and around Gatwick, although this is slowly getting back to normal. The Gatwick Express service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport remains suspended until further notice. 

Services are being revised frequently and we recommend that you plan your journey in advance and check the latest timetable with National Rail Enquiries. 

Please remember that wearing a face covering is mandatory on all public transport.

As of 23:59 on Sunday 10 January 2021 National Express have temporarily suspended service due to the coronavirus situation

As of 23:59 on Saturday 16 January 2021 The Airline by The Oxford Bus Company have temporarily suspended service due to the coronavirus situation

National Express 
Oxford Airline

See here for more information about coach and bus services. 

Metrobus services are operating to and from our North Terminal and in the area around Gatwick. They are now operating a frequent service on most of their routes. Please check their website for the latest information.

Hotel shuttle bus operator, NSL has suspended all services.

We advise you to keep in close contact with your airline for the latest information about your flight and on how to request a refund or rebook at a later date.

If you are at the airport and experiencing the symptoms of a cough, fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste and smell please make yourself known to the nearest member of staff who will be able to support you.

If you are not at the airport, please follow NHS advice on their website.  

If your plans are cancelled, we advise you to contact your airline or tour operator. You can also check ABTA’s website which may be able to help with your questions