London Gatwick security process transformed with state-of-the-art technology
- Passengers at London Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or put liquids in plastic bags at security
- Extensive programme to install state-of-the-art technology in all 19 security lanes has transformed the process
- As London Gatwick works to become the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, safety and security is the top priority
Passengers travelling through London Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags, as part of a multi-million-pound project to transform its security screening process.
The cutting-edge technology enhances the security accuracy for airport security staff with 3D technology.
The installation of new computed tomography (CT) scanners, part of a government initiative and provided by Smiths Detection, simplify and streamline the security process while maintaining the highest safety standards.
The new technology is not only more efficient but also more sustainable with no more requirement to use plastic bags.
Cyrus Dana, Head of Security at London Gatwick, said: "More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.”
“As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers.
“At London Gatwick we pride ourselves on providing a great passenger experience and as we head into a busy summer season we look forward to continuing to deliver that service.”
Key information for passengers
- Passengers can now leave liquids and electrical items, such as laptops, in their cabin bags
- Liquids can be taken through security in containers of up to 100ml in volume
- Passengers should be aware that many airports around the world have not yet introduced this new technology. Therefore, the 1-litre clear plastic bag rule and 100 mL liquid container limit may still apply when returning from other destinations.
- There are no changes to the rules on the carriage of dangerous goods. More details can be found on our website
- Passengers should still arrive at the airport two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight
With 43 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It is a vital piece of national infrastructure that drives both the national and regional economies by generating £5.5 billion GVA and supporting over 76,000 jobs (2023). Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations. With a declared capacity of 55 movements an hour, London Gatwick is the most efficient single runway airport in the world.
The airport is located 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected, with more than a quarter of England’s population (15 million people) – including all of London – less than one hour away by road or rail. A six-year, £2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030 and to increase capacity by bringing the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway. Vinci Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99%.
The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 70 airports in 14 countries. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimizing operational performance, modernizing infrastructure and managing their operations and environmental transition. VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to an international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions across its entire network by 2050.
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Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a leading infrastructure investor that specializes in investing in, owning and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure and water and waste management sectors. With decarbonization central to our investment thesis, we are well positioned to support the global energy transition. Headquartered in New York, GIP has offices in Brisbane, Dallas, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, Singapore, Stamford and Sydney.
GIP has approximately $115 billion in assets under management. Our portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of approximately $71 billion and employ over 116,000 people. We believe that our focus on real infrastructure assets, combined with our deep proprietary origination network and comprehensive operational expertise, enables us to be responsible stewards of our investors' capital and to create positive economic impact for communities. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.
