The Government has approved Gatwick Airport’s £2.2 billion scheme to bring its standby northern runway into routine use — a decision that promises more flights, more jobs, and major infrastructure changes. Among the proposals are significant surface-access upgrades and up to 18,500 new car parking spaces, raising important questions for drivers and holidaymakers.

Gatwick’s expansion is expected to boost capacity by around 100,000 flights per year by the end of the decade. Alongside this, the airport is under pressure to increase the number of passengers travelling by train and coach, while also investing in new road links and parking facilities.

Reports suggest that higher drop-off and short-stay charges are being considered as part of efforts to encourage greater use of public transport. That could have a direct impact on motorists, many of whom rely on Gatwick’s parking for both convenience and cost-effective travel.

An I Love Airport Parking spokesperson said: “Drivers will rightly be asking what Gatwick’s new runway means for them — will there be more affordable long-stay options, better facilities like EV charging, or just higher charges at the drop-off zone? Parking is central to the passenger journey, and we want to make sure customers’ voices are heard in this debate. At I Love Airport Parking, we’re listening closely — and we love to hear what our customers think.”

The balance between parking supply, pricing, and public transport is set to shape how millions of travellers access Gatwick in the years ahead. With extra capacity coming, the way car parking evolves will be just as important as the new runway itself.