Representation by Jonathan Carr
- Date submitted
- 24 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am a regular user of Gatwick Airport, and particularly of the North Terminal. This year has been a disaster for airport users, especially during peak times. I think it's important for Gatwick to look at sorting out it's existing/other operations first before even thinking about further increases in capacity. Of course, forward planning is an issue, but so is terminal and facility planning. This summer has been chaotic in both terminals; quite frankly, I would be embarrassed if this were my operation. Specifically: 1. Who designed the new rail terminal? This has been a complete disaster. Foot-flow crossing over, gigantic queues, no assistants. This facility fails at nearly every level; a complete disaster. 2. Air traffic.....this has been covered in the news. Why has this been allowed to happen? 3. Boarder Control; a complete joke and not fit for purpose. Absolute chaos at peak times. Where are the Duty Managers? If the management cannot get outside agencies to offer at least an acceptable service, then any expansion of airport operations is pointless. (I used to be GM overseeing 32 Duty & Tax free shops in UK, so I know exactly how these airports operate!). This should be one of the easiest operations to run, mainly because you know in advance, exactly how many customers are due at any given time, well in advance......and are notified well in advance of any schedule changes or delays. How can these outside agencies offer such a woeful service? I fully understand the issues regarding long term strategic planning, and in general terms, I would support the issue regarding runway expansion, but without parallel terminal expansion, a modern rail interchange and infrastructure improvements to support this plan, I can only see the operation getting even worse. However, it is with the external agencies that support and integrate with airport operations that the real issues lie. This HAS to be addressed along with any runway expansion. Come on Gatwick management, where is your operational nouse?