Gatwick reshuffle: what it means for Jersey flyers

Tuesday 24 January 2017

Flyers, be prepared: a three-airline shake-up starting today will see EasyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic jet set to new terminals at London Gatwick – a top destination for Jersey travellers.

EasyJet, which makes the JSY to LGW trip up to four times daily, is the first to migrate, operating entirely from the North Terminal from today onwards.

It sets the wheels in motion for previous North Terminal resident British Airways (BA) to move to the South tomorrow – a journey back to its original home, from which it moved in 1988.

Virgin Atlantic will join Easyjet on its northbound journey, but this should be of little disruption to Jersey passengers, as it does not operate on the Island.

Pictured: EasyJet will operate entirely from the North Terminal from today (January 24th), while British Airways will move to the South Terminal tomorrow (January 25th).

The Airport believes that the airlines’ new locations should, “…simplify the journey through the airport for passengers, and travellers will benefit from brand new facilities, including state-of-the-art technology at check-in, security and immigration, as well as new bag-drop zones and premium lounges.” 

While the Airport had declared its plans in advance, as the UK’s busiest hub with over 43 million passengers a year, the rejig is bound to cause some confusion amongst passengers not in the know.

An additional 70 helpers in high visibility pink vests will therefore be on hand to help baffled travellers.

Gatwick has issued the following advice to customers:  

• Check which terminal they need before travelling and arranging pick up and meeting points and allow plenty of time at the airport

• If they find themselves at the wrong terminal, they are advised to hop on the free transit shuttle that travels between the North and South Terminals in just two minutes

• Passengers should select a long stay car park close to the terminal that they are travelling from, as the bus that takes them from the car park to the airport travels to one terminal only; If they need to reach the other terminal, they can use the transit shuttle

• If they have already booked a car park, they don’t need to re-arrange, as they can use the transit shuttle to get to the correct place

• If they require help, wayfinders will be located in and around the terminals dressed in high-visibility pink vests

For more information, click here.