UK. Food & beverage was the star of the commercial show for London Gatwick Airport in its first half ended 30 June, with revenues increasing +5.4% year-on-year to £31.1 million (US$42 million).
This was driven by new openings such as Pret A Manger and Starbucks, as well as the opening of Big Smoke (pictured below) in the South Terminal departure lounge.
The airport company reported a -3.2% year-on-year decrease in first-half retail revenues to £108.6 million (US$146.7 million) as passenger numbers rose +0.4% to 20 million across the period.
However, the H1 retail 2024 figure included a one-off adjustment due to new contract terms for duty-free, which had a backdated element. Taking this adjustment into account, retail revenue in 2025 actually increased by £4.8 million (US$6.5 million), or +4.6%.
Retail income fell from £112.2 million (US$151.6 million) for the period ended 30 June.
The airport’s overall first-half revenues reached £491.4 million (US$663.8million), a +0.7% increase against the same period last year.
Meanwhile, H1 profits soared to £128.9 million (US$174.1 million), up +21.8%, while EBITDA stood at £262.2 million (US$354.2 million), a -2.3% fall.
Gatwick Airport noted duty- and tax-free shopping continues to account for more than one-third of total retail revenue. Adjusting for the aforementioned one-time revenue in 2024, this category grew by +1.3% in H1 to £37.8 million (US$51 million).
The airport company said continued diversification in passenger mix with the introduction of new routes, especially to African destinations, also contributed to higher spends per passenger across this segment.
Furthermore, H1 revenue from specialist shops grew +2.5% year-on-year despite changes to operators and a -15% reduction in space allocated to fashion.
The airport company observed that strong results in ‘other retail’ revenues reflect a successful transition to income from new jetty and bridges sponsoring partner, Uber.
Increased advertising revenue from investment in new digital screens across the two terminals was another contributing factor, it added, as was strong demand for Fast Track and premium products, such as lounges.
Net income per passenger decreased by -4.2% from £5.54 (US$7.48) in H1 2024 to £5.31 (US$7.17) for the corresponding 2025 period.
However, this was a direct result of the one-time contract revenue; without this, underlying growth would have been +3.7% in H1 2025.
Car parking revenues in H1 were flat (£67.3 million/US$90.9 million) year-on-year. The airport company noted this reflects a greater number of passengers travelling to the airport by public transport (particularly trains) or other means, plus competitive pricing across the market.
Car parking income per passenger for the first six months was £2.64 (US$3.57), a +1.4% year-on-year increase. This reflected a focus on managing sales costs despite pressure on workforce-related costs due to the labour intensity of the operation, the airport company’s commentary noted.
The H1 results come just ahead of a UK Government decision on the airport’s Northern Runway planning application. A final judgement is expected by 27 October.
London Gatwick Chief Executive Stewart Wingate said: “The critical final decision on our Northern Runway plans is just weeks away and follows a rigorous and lengthy planning process.
“I remain optimistic the Secretary of State [for Transport, Heidi Alexander] will approve our privately financed, shovel-ready plans to unlock further growth for London Gatwick and the UK economy, generating new job, trade and tourism opportunities for generations to come.”
