GATWICK AIRPORT
Aviation Enthusiasts Site
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Spotting Information And Hints
The following information is not official and is based on my own personal view and experience.
Spotting Overview
Unfortunately, due to several factors, Gatwick is not one of the easiest airports in the UK to spot from. There is no one place where you can see all the stands from and unless you have your own transport, spotting here can be hard work. However this not to say it won't be rewarding. As can be seen from the movements pages on this site, there is a wide range of international carriers that use the airport, as well as all the main UK charter and most scheduled operators. Also in recent times the amount of business jets visiting has increased, although they tend not to stay for too long.
I have divided this section into two sub sections, spotting and photography. In these sections you will find directions to the various places I have used over the years, plus in the photography section I have put examples of the types of results you can expect from the different locations.
General Information
Gatwick lies approximately 25 miles to the south of London, just off the M23 motorway, and on the London to Brighton main line. Access by rail is very good with regular direct services from Victoria and London Bridge (Gatwick Express, South Central, Thameslink), as well as Reading and Gulidford (Thames Trains) Bedford & Luton (Thameslink), Tonbridge (Connex), Brighton (South Central, Thameslink) and the south coast from Hastings all the way along to Southampton (South Central). Virgin also offer more restrictive services from the north of England. Information on rail times can be found at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ There are also regular coach services from across the country operated by National Express, as well as services connecting London's other main airports.
The airport itself has one main runway, 26L/08R and a shorter parallel runway 26R/08L. This runway is normally used at night when the main runway is being maintained and usually acts as the main taxiway. There are two terminals, the South Terminal which is the older, and is where the railway station is located. Most non British Airways flights operate from the South. The other is the North Terminal, which handles British Airways flights, as well as some other operators, including Delta, Emirates and Air 2000. Access to the North from the South is via a transit rail link which is located in the entrance to the station. It also has it's own road transport links.
Both terminals have ample shopping and eating facilities, and also have their own short term car parks. The South Terminal is where the spectators terrace is located. There are no views from anywhere landside in the North Terminal.
For more information go to the BAA web site at http://www.baa.com/main/airports/gatwick
INTRODUCTION LINKS SPOTTING PHOTOGRAPHY