London Gatwick Airport
| Continent: Europe | Country: United Kingdom | Region: England |
| London Gatwick Airport | |
| Location | London, England |
| IATA code | LGW |
| ICAO code | EGKK |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.gatwickairport.com |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 124.225 |
| Ground | 121.800 |
| Clearance | 121.950 |
| Approach | 126.825 |
| ATIS | |
Official Spotting Locations
Roof Terrace
Shut, probably indefinitely.
Other Spotting Locations
08R Crash Gate
Probably the most popular spot at Gatwick, it's excellent for shooting aircraft taxing and holding for departure from 08 (and as a result is only available 30% of the time). The spot provides several different angles depending on where along the crash gate you shoot from. If a ladder is used please take it down after you have taken your shot. If you are arriving here by car, do not attempt to park by the crash gate or under the flightpath as you will be asked to move it by security.
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
26L - Inner Perimeter Road
The best place to be when 26L is in use, which is about 70% of the time. Provides good landing views and picture opportunities. Very limited shots of ground activity although it is possible through a fence with a long lens.
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
South Terminal International Departure Lounge
Only accessible if you are traveling. Situated upstairs in the departure lounge by the Sports Bar, it offers nice views across the airfield and runway. Windows seem to be generally clean so photos may be possible. Please note that this area is currently closed due to refurbishment.
Locations to Avoid
South Terminal Short stay Car Park
You're very likely to be moved on by security from here.
Regular Traffic
Usual for British Airports - i.e. British Airways 737s & 777s, easyJet 319s, Flybe Dash8 & BAe146 etc.. During the summer months (May-October) there is a large charter airline presence at the airport, including First Choice Airways, My Travel and Thomsonfly.
Other carriers include Ghana International Airlines, Zoom, Malev, Belavia and Ethiopian Airlines
See here for more:[1]
Facilities and Transportation
Busy railway station situated at South Terminal providing services from/to London and the South Coast, plus east/west services from Horsham and Tonbridge. The station is a 50 minute train journey from Kings Cross Thameslink.
Transit train between the North & South Terminals. Each terminal has short stay parking (albeit quite expensive).
Coach services depart/arrive from locations around the country such as central London, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge and Norwich. For those wanting to combine a Gatwick visit with a Heathrow one there is a direct link provided by National Express Coach 700 Service which operates every 15 minutes. Journey takes approximately 80 minutes.