Video: New escalators installed at Gatwick Airport railway station

The final three of eight new escalators at Gatwick Airport station have been installed, marking another major milestone in the station’s overhaul.

Over the weekend of Saturday, 5th, and Sunday, 6th February, the escalators were lifted into place.

With the eight escalators, five new lifts, four new stairways, and doubling of concourse space, the journey from train to plane is now much easier.

The accessibility improvements will help the punctuality of services, as passengers can now board and alight trains quicker.

This means trains will spend less time at platforms, reducing delays and supporting a more reliable service.

Installation has also started on steelwork for a new superstructure to support a larger second concourse; that is on schedule to be completed by 2023.

The improved station is a vital link in the UK’s plans to save over 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions by using low carbon concrete and encouraging passengers to travel to the airport by train, thus easing congestion on local roads.

Rail Minister Wendy Morton said: “With the number of holidaymakers back on the rise and as we build back better from Covid-19, upgrading critical infrastructure like Gatwick Airport Station is key to improving the passenger experience across the network.

“Our Plan for Rail will transform the railways, putting passengers at the heart of what we do and ensuring trains and stations are accessible for all.”

Katie Frost, Sussex route director, Network Rail, said: “Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the team has continued to work around the clock to keep the project on schedule. The installation of eight new escalators and the start of work on the new station superstructure marks a significant milestone for the project.
“When complete in 2023, air and rail passengers can look forward to a gateway station that befits the country’s second busiest airport, providing a much-improved journey experience.”

Angie Doll, Southern and Gatwick Express Managing Director, said: “I’m really pleased to see such great progress at Gatwick Station. Our customers will really benefit from the improvements being made.”

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport said: “Gatwick’s new station upgrade is really taking shape and excitement is building to the day when we start to offer our passengers a seamless transition between the train station and our terminals. The redeveloped train station – with more escalators, lifts and a doubling in the size of the concourse – together with huge improvements to rail services at the airport, will all help encourage more people to use public transport when travelling to and from the airport.”