The project is part of a huge upgrade programme which will make the station bigger and brighter and will greatly improve accessibility.

The work will see:

• A new station entrance
• Wider platforms
• Eight new escalators
• Five new lifts
• Four new stairways.

October saw Network Rail install improved train service information screens alongside Govia Thameslink Railway and Gatwick Airport providing free WiFi means that there is no need for passengers to change providers whilst walking from the airport and the rail station.

Gatwick Airport station’s current concourse upgrade is now moving into the last stage of the project as further space will be created for passengers alongside platforms 5 and 6 which should be back open during the New Year. The vast project is running to target and is expected to complete during spring 2023.

Govia Thameslink Railway’s project change manager David Stronell said: “The project’s going really well and already we’re seeing the benefits of the upgrade. It made sense to make every one of our ticket gates extra wide because we have so many customers travelling with luggage. It’s all part of our drive to make the station is easy to use.”

Network Rail, Project Director, Simon Newland, said: “The Gatwick Airport Station Project will transform the passenger experience at the station, helping people get on and off trains and platforms more easily, speeding up their journeys to and from airport terminals, and supporting a more reliable train service on the Brighton Main Line.

“The installation of new wide gate lines, new customer information screens and work to open up the existing concourse are the latest in a whole package of improvements we are delivering for passengers who use Gatwick. Passengers can look forward to more improvements next year as we work to reopen platforms 5 and 6 and finish work on a new second concourse that will double the space for passengers”.

Michelle Stanton, Gatwick Airport’s business change manager, said: “We’re at an exciting stage as improvements to Gatwick’s train station come online. Extra-wide tickets barriers make passing through with luggage much easier and, although not yet finished, the new bigger, brighter refurbished concourse has already transformed the passenger experience. The giant new concourse is also taking shape where more escalators, lifts and staircases will help create a seamless transition from station to airport when it opens next year.”

The Department for Transport, Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Gatwick Airport Ltd and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise are involved in the project with Costain as chief contractors.