Learn About Gatwick Airport In London
Learn about Gatwick Airport in London. Includes some little known facts about this famous airport.
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Learn About Gatwick Airport In London
To learn more about Gatwick Airport, and to hire a car on your arrival there, please visit http://www.gatwickcarhire.org.uk
Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It is the 8th largest (by passenger traffic) airport in Europe, and is one of the top 30 busiest airports in the world. Gatwick also holds the record as the busiest single-runway airport in the world, constantly handling traffic that other airports divide over multiple runways.
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 – The Blitz
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.
#2 – Architectural Advances
Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal (named the ‘Beehive’) in 1936. Though they are commonplace these days, it was an extraordinary achievement for the time. A direct rail link was also installed for the first time anywhere, which meant that passengers could board their aircraft directly rather than having to travel across the runway by bus or on foot.
#3 – A Former Racecourse
The site where Gatwick now stands used to be used for horse racing. It was temporarily home to the Grand National, which is one of the world’s most famous races. It was only when the Beehive opened that it finally lost its racing ties, as up until then Gatwick’s train station was called the Gatwick Racecourse Station.
#4 – Royal Attentions
The Queen of England has twice graced Gatwick airport with her presence. 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.
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