Traveling Idea

Traveling Idea with London Gatwick Airport History… Gatwick airport is one of the most famous airports in the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole. It stands in the top 30 busiest airports in the world, and is the 8th largest in Europe by passenger traffic. It also has the single busiest runway in the world.

Gatwick recently announced plans to expand their infrastructure with a one billion pound investment aimed at improving the visitor experience in terms of everything from access to aesthetics. Airport officials remain firmly convinced that this investment might even help them surpass the famous Heathrow in terms of amenities and passenger accessibility, and demonstrate the airport’s commitment to continued quality.

Though Gatwick has always been considered a ‘lesser’ airport than Heathrow, this is due to the merits of the latter rather than any shortcomings in the former. Indeed, Gatwick airport has a history that warrants more attention than it is generally given…

#1. Advances in Architecture

In 1936, Gatwick unveiled the world’s first circular airport terminal, dubbed the Beehive. Though they are commonplace these days, it was an extraordinary achievement for the time. There was a rail link directly to the terminal, and for the first time passengers could directly board their aircraft instead of having to travel across the runway on foot or by bus.

#2.  Private Fliers

Gatwick was not originally a public airport for major travel. In the 20’s and 30’s, for example, it was a private flying club controlled by Ronald Waters. The Surrey Aero Club used their growing prestige to promote interest in flying in general, and helped contribute to the continued growth of the airfield, to the point that Gatwick received its first commercial flying licenses in 1934.

#3.  Royal Attentions

Gatwick has been graced on two separate occasions with a Royal presence at important opening ceremonies. Queen Elizabeth II first attended to re-open the airport after it underwent a major redevelopment in 1956, and she returned thirty years later with her husband Prince Phillip to preside over the opening of the new North Terminal.

#4.  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.

That’s it, if you take a trips and needs Gatwick car hire! fell free to visit gatwickcarhire.org.uk