Gatwick Airport has acquired control on the on-airport World Cargo Centre in order to safeguard cargo infrastructure out the UK airport.
London Gatwick said that the purchase of the World Cargo Centre would strengthen the resilience and long‑term growth of freight across the UK’s Southeast.
“The move brings one of London Gatwick’s most strategically important cargo locations fully under the airport’s operational control, helping safeguard the infrastructure that underpins international trade through the airport,” the airport said.
The site measures 1,747 sq m, sits immediately alongside the airfield and is home to several cargo companies.
Most freight currently handled at London Gatwick travels in the hold of long‑haul passenger aircraft, particularly serving key markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The move comes as the airport is hoping to put its northern runway into regular use, rather than as a backup for its main runway.
“By fully integrating the site into its operational estate, London Gatwick is ensuring these vital trade routes can continue to support UK businesses reliably and efficiently, while enabling future airfield investment linked to its Northern Runway programme,” the airport said in a press release.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer, London Gatwick, said: “Freight is a crucial part of how London Gatwick supports trade and economic growth across the South East and beyond.
“Bringing the World Cargo Centre fully into our estate secures the infrastructure that already keeps goods moving, strengthens resilience, and ensures we are ready to support future growth – while maintaining continuity for the businesses operating on site.”
Under the existing planning agreement, Gatwick’s northern runway is used only when the main runway is closed for maintenance or emergencies.
The Gatwick development will see the northern runway being moved further away from the main runway as the two cannot be used at the same time due to their proximity to each other.
Gatwick figures show the extra runway would bring in an additional 60,000 flights per year and boost cargo volumes to 161,500 tonnes by 2038 compared with 61,000 tonnes in 2023 and more than double 2019 levels – its busiest year in terms of flight numbers.
Gatwick’s work to support dual runway operations will include amendments to taxiways, terminal extensions, ancillary facilities, highways and rivers; as well as temporary construction works and mitigation works.
Analysis by Oxford Economics shows the value of imported cargo through London Gatwick to the UK economy could reach £9.8bn a year by 2038, more than twice the 2019 level and £2.1bn higher than would be achieved without the Northern Runway.
