London Gatwick has moved to secure its freight infrastructure for the long term. The airport acquired control of the World Cargo Centre, the 1,747 square metre facility that sits alongside the airfield and handles most cargo moving through the UK’s second-largest airport.
The acquisition comes ahead of a significant capacity increase. Government approval of the Northern Runway programme in September clears the way for up to 389,000 flights per year, more than double current volumes on key freight routes.
Northern Runway drives cargo growth forecast
Most freight at Gatwick travels in the belly of long-haul passenger aircraft serving Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The Northern Runway approval changes the growth trajectory substantially.
Cargo volumes are forecast to reach 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s. That compares with current handling of over 100,000 metric tons annually. Independent analysis by Oxford Economics puts the value of imported cargo at £9.8bn per year by 2038, more than twice 2019 levels and £2.1bn higher than would be achieved without runway expansion.
The freight growth will support 167,500 jobs across the UK by 2038, an increase of 35,500 roles compared with no expansion. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, said the move secures infrastructure that keeps goods moving and positions the airport for future demand.
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.
Facility capabilities and technology deployment
The World Cargo Centre features temperature-controlled storage for medical supplies and perishables, secure regulatory cargo storage and advanced scanning technology. On-site HM Revenue and Customs operations enable same-day clearance of compliant cargo.
Gatwick has deployed AI technology for predicting high-volume periods, automatic shipment tracking systems and digital inventory management tools. The airport handles temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, electronics and e-commerce orders from the Americas, Europe and Asia.
The facility is located 45 kilometres south of Central London with direct M23 motorway access and regular train services to South Coast and London terminals. The airport serves 43 million annual passengers through more than 60 airlines flying to over 160 short-haul and 50 long-haul destinations.
Strategic positioning for freight forwarders
The expansion at Gatwick creates additional routing options for freight forwarders serving UK import and export markets. Belly cargo capacity on long-haul passenger services provides flexible options for consolidators and forwarders without dedicated freighter requirements.
The Northern Runway approval adds significant capacity on Asian, African and Middle Eastern routes where Gatwick already concentrates passenger operations. For forwarders looking to compare rates and capacity across multiple carriers, the expansion increases available options on these key trade lanes through the late 2030s.
The airport’s investment in digital systems and on-site customs facilities addresses two persistent friction points: shipment visibility and clearance speed. Same-day clearance capability and automated tracking reduce dwell time and improve predictability for time-sensitive cargo.
Development plans and infrastructure investment
Future development plans include cold chain infrastructure improvements, cargo terminal expansion and agreements with nearby logistics parks. The airport is pursuing net zero operations by 2030 as part of a £2bn sustainable growth programme over six years.
The combination of increased flight capacity, improved ground handling facilities and enhanced digital integration positions Gatwick as a significant player in UK air freight beyond its current role. The airport currently handles less tonnage than Heathrow and East Midlands but targets substantial growth through passenger aircraft belly capacity rather than dedicated freighter operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Cargo Centre at Gatwick Airport?
The World Cargo Centre is a 1,747 square metre facility located immediately alongside the airfield at London Gatwick. It serves as the primary cargo handling facility for the airport, managing freight that travels in passenger aircraft holds as well as dedicated cargo operations. The facility includes temperature-controlled storage, advanced scanning technology and on-site customs operations.
How much cargo does Gatwick Airport currently handle?
Gatwick Airport currently handles more than 100,000 metric tons of cargo annually. Most freight moves in the belly of long-haul passenger aircraft serving routes to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The airport forecasts this will increase to 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s following approval of the Northern Runway programme.
What is the economic impact of Gatwick’s freight expansion?
Independent analysis by Oxford Economics forecasts the value of imported cargo through Gatwick will reach £9.8bn annually by 2038, more than double 2019 levels. This represents £2.1bn more than would be achieved without the Northern Runway expansion. The freight growth is expected to support 167,500 jobs across the UK by 2038, an increase of 35,500 roles compared with no expansion scenario.
When was the Northern Runway programme approved?
The UK government approved Gatwick’s Northern Runway programme in September. The approval enables the airport to bring the Northern Runway into routine use alongside the Main Runway, supporting up to 389,000 flights per year. This represents a substantial increase in operational capacity that underpins the cargo growth forecast.
What types of cargo does Gatwick Airport specialise in?
Gatwick Airport specialises in handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, fresh produce including perishables, electronics, technical components and e-commerce orders from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The facility offers temperature-controlled storage specifically for medical supplies and perishable goods, supported by on-site HM Revenue and Customs operations for rapid clearance.
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