BA announces new flights to Nice from Gatwick

British Airways is boosting its summer sun network from Gatwick next year with the launch of a new service to Nice.

From March 2012 the airline launches three flights a day to the south of France gateway.

The new Nice flights from London Gatwick are in addition to the seven daily flights from Heathrow and once a day flight from London City to the popular holiday destination.

British Airways officially opened its new high-tech check-in area in Gatwick’s North Terminal last week and slashed up to 20 per cent off shorthaul fares from Gatwick.

easyJet increases Barcelona flights

easyJet is increasing the number of services it operates between Gatwick and Barcelona with an additional daily flight.

The extra service will operate from Friday 6 January 2012 and bring the total of daily Gatwick to Barcelona flights to six per day.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director, said: “Due to increased demand we are adding extra frequency on our popular Gatwick to Barcelona route, making it even more accessible for both business and leisure passengers in the region.

“The fact that we are Gatwick’s largest airline reflects easyJet’s commitment to providing travellers in the region with the best choice of destinations, at convenient times and at the lowest possible fares.”

Flybe launches Gatwick summer schedule

Flybe has just launched its summer schedule of flights from Gatwick Airport.

In addition to its normal regional services, the airline will also operate ten routes during the summer season – 25 March to 9 September 2012 – including the return of a twice-daily service to Nantes and weekend flights to Bergerac.

Flybe offers four times as many domestic services from Gatwick than any other airline and recently won the Gatwick Gold Award for its outstanding punctuality at the airport.

Andrew Strong, Managing Director Flybe UK comments: “In continuing to keep Britain on the move, we are confident we have come up with summer travel options that are both extensive and affordable for Summer 2012. We are also pleased that, through our many codeshare partners, we are able to offer our customers even more travel choice that extends further our reach across Europe and the rest of the world.

easyJet launches Gatwick to Kefalonia flights

easyJet is increasing the number of its destinations from Gatwick to 93 with the introduction of flights to Kefalonia.

The flights, which go on sale from 20 October, will launch on 28 April 2012 and operate three times per week until the end of October 2012.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director, said: “Our new route to Kefalonia from Gatwick adds even more choice for passengers seeking an easy and affordable sunshine getaway next year. Greece has long been a favourite for sun worshippers and Kefalonia is among the pick of the Mediterranean’s most desirable getaways.

“The continued expansion of our Gatwick operation and the fact that we are the airport’s largest airline reflects easyJet’s commitment to providing travellers in the region with the best choice of destinations at the lowest possible fares.”

Gatwick first live Twitter Q&A session today

Want to learn more about Gatwick Airport? Perhaps you have a question about the airport’s operations or its future.

Well, today you can have your chance to quiz Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport when he hosts a live Twitter Q&A session.

The first Gatwick first live Q&A session will take place today, 12 October 2011, between 4pm and 5pm.

To ask a question simply tweet your question to @Gatwick_Airport using the hashtag #askgatwick.

Recent questions include parking for high-sided vehicles and the possibility of a second runway.

GATCOM meets this Thursday 13 October 2011

The next meeting of GATCOM will take place at 10am this Thursday, 13 October 2011, in the Ascot Suite of the Gatwick Hilton Hotel.

GATCOM meetings are now open to the public and press.

BA introduces new low fares from Gatwick

British Airways has slashed up to 20 per cent off shorthaul fares from Gatwick and is introducing a new £39 one-way fare to some of its most popular destinations.

The new fares, combined with the airline’s fantastic new home in the North Terminal, mean customers are getting both exceptional value and customer service. Passengers will be able to travel on 12 of the 29 British Airways domestic and European routes from Gatwick for less than £40 one-way.

At Gatwick one-way all-inclusive fares to Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh are already competitively priced from £36, but fares to popular European cities like Malaga, Bologna and Verona are being cut and will start from £39.

Many other Gatwick routes will also have fare reductions including Innsbruck and Faro from £49, Salzburg from £59 and Marrakech from £69.

The reductions will be supported by an advertising campaign that highlights British Airways’ low fares and high value ethos at Gatwick. With the recent opening of a new dedicated check-in hall, featuring state-of-the-art technology, British Airways passengers will benefit from a premium service at non-premium prices.

Silla Maizey, British Airways managing director Gatwick said: “We are delighted to offer these low fares, and not just for a short sale period. There are no hidden costs like debit card fees, and all fares include free on-line check-in and seat selection from 24 hours before departure.

“All customers have a generous free 23 kilogram hold baggage allowance and two-piece hand luggage allowance, the opportunity to print their own boarding cards and bag tags, and complimentary refreshments on board the aircraft.”

She added: “We are delighted with our new home at Gatwick which has made check-in easier and faster for customers, giving them more time to relax before boarding their flight. Some of the new technology is a first for British Airways worldwide and will bring massive benefits for our customers.”

Flybe bags Gatwick gold for punctuality

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic airline outperformed all other airlines flying to and from London Gatwick airport during the first quarter of the year for on-time arrival and departure performance (April 1 – June 30), receiving the airport’s gold award ahead of British Airways (silver) and Ryanair (bronze),

Flybe operates nine routes out of London Gatwick offering a choice of up to 408 flights a week to popular leisure and business destinations namely Aberdeen, Belfast City, Bergerac, Guernsey, Inverness, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Newquay and Nantes.

Andrew Strong, Managing Director, Flybe UK comments; “Flybe is committed to providing excellent service to its customers and we are extremely pleased that our punctuality performance at the country’s second busiest airport has been recognised with its first-ever gold award for the most punctual airline.”

“The statistics speak for themselves and are a testament to the commitment to on-time performance by our staff. All at Flybe recognise that time is an extremely valuable commodity in today’s busy world and it is important for passengers to reach their destinations on time.”

M23 roadworks

Work to upgrade the safety barriers on a 2.2-mile section of the M23 between the M25 and Gatwick Airport gets underway today, 26 September 2011.

During the works, lane 3 of the will be motorway closed in both directions and three narrow lanes with a 50mph speed limit will be available to traffic – vehicles will be directed to use the hard shoulder.

Peter Phillips, Highways Agency route manager for West Sussex, said: “This section of cable barrier has reached the end of its maintainable life. Concrete barriers are immensely strong, and significantly reduce the risk of a vehicle crossing over from one carriageway to the other, improving safety and reducing the duration of incident-related congestion. They are also virtually maintenance free and will last twice as long as normal metal barriers.”

Gatwick Community Engagement Day takes place 27 September 2011

Next Tuesday, 27 September 2011, is Gatwick Community Engagement Day – an annual event hosted by Sussex Police in which they highlight the work carried out to protect Gatwick Airport.

The event takes place between 8am and 1pm in The Goldfish Bowl on the ground floor of Jubilee House.

There will be presentations, display stands and experts will be able to brief staff, give advice and answer any questions. Gatwick Police Counter Terrorism Unit and Gatwick Police Dog Unit will also be attending.

Sergeant Simon Luck said; “The first two events were really successful, with several hundred people attending each time, so we have made this an annual occasion.

“Staff at the airport play a vital role in security, acting as additional ears and eyes whether in relation to crime or terrorism. This day is very much aimed at helping staff keep up to date with what we in the emergency services and partner agencies are doing.”



Geoff Williams, Head of Security at Gatwick Airport said, “The continued safety and security of our passengers, airlines and staff is Gatwick Airport’s number one priority and events like this remind us of the importance of working together to deliver an even better, safer airport for all.”