London Gatwick has taken a significant step to strengthening the resilience and long‑term growth of freight across the South East by acquiring control of the World Cargo Centre.
The move brings one of London Gatwick’s most strategically important cargo locations fully under the airport’s operational control, helping safeguard the infrastructure that underpins international trade through the airport.
The 1,747 sqm World Cargo Centre sits immediately alongside the airfield and plays a central role in how freight moves smoothly through the airport.
Most freight currently handled at London Gatwick travels in the hold of long‑haul passenger aircraft, particularly serving key markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
By fully integrating the site into its operational estate, London Gatwick is ensuring these vital trade routes can continue to support UK businesses reliably and efficiently, while enabling future airfield investment linked to its Northern Runway programme.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said:
“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 - while maintaining continuity for the businesses operating on site.”
The extension of London Gatwick’s cargo estate comes as demand for air freight continues to grow.
Government approval of plans to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into routine use alongside its Main Runway last September, will support up to 389,000 flights a year and increase cargo volumes to 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s.
Independent analysis by Oxford Economics shows the value of imported cargo through London Gatwick to the UK economy could reach £9.8bn a year by 2038, more than twice the 2019 level and £2.1bn higher than would be achieved without the Northern Runway.
Freight growth is also forecast to support 167,500 jobs across the UK by 2038, an increase of 35,500 roles compared with no expansion.
