London Gatwick Airport: England’s second-busiest airport, a single-runway hub for easyJet and BA’s southern base.
Public data show overcrowding remains an issue on key commuter routes in England and Wales, with load factors exceeding 170% on several services last autumn. Authorities say capacity improvements and new timetables are underway to ease pressure while fares and service quality are under scrutiny.
The High Court has upheld the government’s approval of Gatwick’s Northern Runway project, preserving plans to expand capacity and deliver thousands of jobs, while opponents vow to appeal.
Flights from Gatwick were diverted after a late-night technical fault prompted a temporary runway closure. Several planes landed safely at alternate airports, with passengers facing delays and disrupted onward travel; authorities emphasise safety as the priority.
Gatwick Airport is experiencing a continued water supply disruption due to a power outage at a local treatment works. Bottled water is being distributed and contingency measures are in place as authorities work to restore normal service across both terminals.
Gatwick Airport has launched Stanley Robotics’ robotic parking system at its South Terminal, allowing drivers to drop off cars in a private cabin where robots lift and park them. The service, which supports most standard cars, aims to cut drop-off times and free up terminal space, with first passengers using it this August.
The new prime minister has unveiled plans for social care reform, including a National Care Service and funding measures. He is seeking cross‑party support while vowing to avoid NHS collapse and to keep taxes within manifesto commitments. Early steps include targeted reliefs and bus and energy cost measures.
The Civil Aviation Authority has allowed Heathrow Airport Limited to recoup 320 million pounds spent on its third-runway plan by raising airline charges, a move likely to be passed on to travellers. A rival scheme, Heathrow West, is authorised to recover 4.1 million pounds. The decision caps costs and projects a small rise in passenger charges from 2028 onward.
Courts have dismissed legal challenges to Gatwick’s £2.2bn expansion and to Luton’s growth plans. Gatwick’s plan will deliver more flights and jobs while Luton’s project aims to nearly double passenger numbers by mid‑2040s. Campaigners warn of noise and climate impacts as officials push ahead with delivery by 2030 and beyond.