GATWICK Airport will extend its North Terminal as part of a £1bn five-year investment plan, it has announced.

It comes as passenger numbers are expected to rise by 8 million to 53 million a year by 2023.

Six new departure gates will be built. Other projects include building a new domestic arrivals facility, including a new baggage reclaim in South Terminal, completing the long stay car park where there will be an extra 1,200 car parking spaces, and enabling works for Network Rail's planned upgrade to Gatwick Station.  

Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick is a major piece of national infrastructure, and our continued growth and ability to attract long-haul airlines is vital for the health of the UK economy, particularly in a post-Brexit world.

"We are exploring ways to grow our capacity, including developing new systems and processes to handle more passengers, and considering how we use all our existing infrastructure in the future. 

“By committing to spend another £1.11 billion, Gatwick can continue to grow sustainably, attract new airlines and offer more global connections, while providing an excellent service to passengers.

“Looking beyond this capital investment programme, we welcome the Government’s support for airports making best use of their existing runways and we will plan for our longer term future by developing a Masterplan later this year."