London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) is a planespotting gem, the UK’s second-busiest airport and a vibrant hub for low-cost carriers, long-haul giants, and cargo operations. Handling 46.6 million passengers in 2019, Gatwick’s single runway (08R/26L) and two terminals deliver a dynamic mix of aircraft, from Ryanair B737s to Emirates A380s. Its rich history—evolving from a 1930s aerodrome to a global gateway—and spotter-friendly locations like Charlwood Road and the South Terminal Viewing Terrace make it a must-visit for avgeeks. With over 800 daily movements, LGW offers everything from smoky crosswind landings to rare charters and bizjets. This 15,000-word guide immerses you in Gatwick’s planespotting ecosystem, blending technical precision, historical depth, and practical tips to fuel your aviation obsession.

Introduction

Gatwick is where avgeek passions ignite. The scream of a TUI B787’s GEnx engines on takeoff, the glint of a Norwegian B737 MAX in evening light, or the crackle of tower chatter on 124.225 MHz—LGW delivers a sensory feast. As a hub for low-cost giants like easyJet, long-haul carriers like Emirates, and cargo operators like FedEx, Gatwick’s traffic is a thrilling mix of volume and variety. Iconic spots like Charlwood Road put you 50 yards from landing jets, while the South Terminal Viewing Terrace and nearby hotels offer comfort for all-day sessions. From its roots as a 1930s flying club to hosting the Antonov An-225 in 2020, Gatwick’s history is as captivating as its traffic. Whether you’re logging registrations, chasing crosswind crab angles, or photographing a Qatar A350 against a Sussex sunset, this guide is your ultimate roadmap to mastering LGW’s spotting scene.

Best Spotting Locations

Gatwick’s spotting locations are a mix of hardcore perimeter points, official viewing areas, and cozy hotel terraces, catering to photographers, ATC listeners, and families. Below are seven meticulously detailed spots, with coordinates, accessibility, photo tips, comfort, and hazards, optimized for avgeeks as of July 2, 2025.

1. Charlwood Road (Runway 26L/08R Threshold)

• Coordinates: 51.1417°N, 0.1778°W
• Description: Charlwood Road is Gatwick’s planespotting mecca, offering heart-stopping views of Runway 26L landings and takeoffs during westerly operations (70% of the time). Just 50–75 yards from the threshold, you’ll feel the roar of easyJet A320s, Emirates A380s, or TUI B787s thundering overhead. The grassy verge along the 6-foot perimeter fence is perfect for smoky touchdown shots and crosswind crab angles, especially in winter’s gusty winds. Taxiway Juliet is partially visible for ground shots, including Ryanair B737s or bizjets at Signature Aviation.
• Accessibility: Drive via A23/A2011 to Charlwood Road (free parking on verges, fills by 6:30 AM on weekends; postcode RH6 0AJ). Public transport: Gatwick Airport station (Southern/Thameslink, 30 minutes from London Victoria, £10–£20), then bus 22 to Charlwood (10 minutes, £2) or a £6 taxi. From South Terminal, it’s a 20-minute walk. Open 24/7, best 6 AM–8 PM summer for light. Uneven terrain—wear sturdy shoes.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 70–200mm lens for frame-filling landings (e.g., Emirates A380 touchdown); 100–400mm for taxiways or distant aprons. Morning light (6–9 AM) is ideal for 26L arrivals, with the sun behind you for vibrant liveries like Norwegian’s red tail. Afternoon backlighting needs a polarizing filter. Crosswinds (10–20 knots) create epic crab-angle shots—use 1/1250s, burst mode. Video: 60fps, gimbal for tracking; 2–4s exposures for night light trails. Heat haze is a summer challenge—arrive early.
• Comfort & Facilities: No facilities—pack a folding chair, snacks, water, and waterproof gear (Gatwick’s rain and wind are frequent). Hardcore spotters dominate, but beginners are welcome. Security patrols are regular due to runway proximity—stay on public land, be polite, avoid pointing lenses at security cameras. Not kid-friendly due to exposure and road noise.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Muddy grass requires boots. Climbing fences is illegal (£100+ fines, possible arrest). Respect Charlwood residents—park responsibly to avoid congestion complaints. High-visibility vests recommended for night spotting. Keep equipment discreet.

2. South Terminal Viewing Terrace

• Coordinates: 51.1560°N, 0.1610°W
• Description: Located at South Terminal, this official viewing area offers elevated views of Runway 26L/08R, taxiways, and South Terminal aprons. It’s ideal for spotting easyJet A320s, BA A319s, or Qatar A350s, with partial views of cargo aprons (e.g., FedEx B767s). The terrace’s open layout and benches make it family-friendly and beginner-accessible, with informational plaques adding context.
• Accessibility: Drive via M23/A23 to South Terminal (parking £5–£15, postcode RH6 0NP). Public transport: Gatwick Airport station (5-minute walk from South Terminal). Free entry, open 7 AM–dusk. Wheelchair-accessible via lifts. Bus 10/20 from North Terminal (5 minutes, £2).
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 100–300mm lens for landings; 200–400mm for taxiways/aprons. Morning light (7–10 AM) suits 26L arrivals; evenings favor 08R departures. 5-foot fences require shooting through gaps or a small ladder. Video: 1/1000s, 60fps; 1–3s for light trails. Heat haze is a summer issue.
• Comfort & Facilities: Benches and sheltered areas; South Terminal has Costa (£3–£8), restrooms, Wi-Fi. Family-friendly with space for kids. Security is spotter-friendly but monitors airside pointing. Suitable for all-day stays, but bring layers for wind.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Stay in designated areas to avoid security issues. Avoid blocking paths with tripods. Kid-friendly but supervise near railings.

3. Hilton London Gatwick (Runway View Rooms)

• Coordinates: 51.1565°N, 0.1620°W
• Description: The Hilton’s runway-view rooms and bar offer elevated, glare-free views of Runway 26L/08R and taxiways, perfect for spotting TUI B787s, Norwegian B737s, or bizjets at Atlantic Aviation. At 150 yards from the runway, it’s a luxurious option for avgeeks seeking comfort or with non-spotters. The bar (Amy’s Restaurant) provides decent angles for non-guests.
• Accessibility: Drive via M23/A23 to South Terminal (parking £15/day, postcode RH6 0LL). Public transport: Gatwick Airport station (2-minute walk via South Terminal skybridge). Runway-view rooms (£80–£150/night) require advance booking—call to confirm. Bar open 11 AM–10 PM. Open to non-guests.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 70–200mm lens for landings; 100–400mm for taxiways/aprons. Windows reduce glare—open if possible. Evening light (5–8 PM) is stunning for 26L arrivals, highlighting liveries like Wizz Air’s pink tail. Video: 1/1000s, 60fps; tripods for 2–3s dusk shots. Afternoon backlighting needs exposure tweaks.
• Comfort & Facilities: Full hotel amenities—restaurant (£10–£20 mains), bar, restrooms, Wi-Fi, parking. Family-friendly, ideal for long stays or mixed groups. Indoor comfort shields against rain/wind. Highly rated on Tripadvisor for spotting views.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Avoid large setups in the bar to respect diners. Security is relaxed for guests but monitors airside pointing. Kid-friendly but supervise near windows.

4. North Terminal Car Park (Level 5)

• Coordinates: 51.1610°N, 0.1760°W
• Description: The open-air top floor (Level 5) of the North Terminal short-stay car park offers panoramic views of Runway 26L/08R, taxiway Echo, and North Terminal aprons. It’s ideal for spotting ground movements (e.g., easyJet A321neo pushbacks) and distant landings, plus bizjets at Atlantic Aviation or rare charters on remote stands.
• Accessibility: Drive via M23/A23 (parking £5–£15, postcode RH6 0PJ). Public transport: Gatwick Airport station, then bus 10/20 to North Terminal (5 minutes, £2). Open 24/7; security monitors long stays. Pedestrian access via North Terminal arrivals.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 100–400mm lens for taxiing aircraft; 200–600mm for runway/aprons. Morning light (7–10 AM) suits North Terminal views; afternoons can be hazy. Shoot through fence holes to avoid 6-foot barriers. Video: 1/1000s; tripods for 2–4s night shots. Backlighting requires tweaks.
• Comfort & Facilities: No on-site facilities; North Terminal has Costa (£3–£8), restrooms, Wi-Fi. Family-friendly for short visits but exposed—bring layers. Security present; be subtle with cameras.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Slippery surfaces in rain—wear grippy shoes. Avoid pointing lenses at security areas. Keep tripods compact.

5. Povey Cross Road

• Coordinates: 51.1530°N, 0.1820°W
• Description: Near the Runway 26L threshold, this rural spot offers close-up views of landings and takeoffs, with aircraft like Ryanair B737s or Qatar A350s passing 75–100 yards overhead. The open field and low fence are perfect for dramatic approach shots, especially in crosswinds. Partial taxiway views add ground action.
• Accessibility: Drive via A23 to Povey Cross Road (free parking on verges, limited). Public transport: Bus 22 from Gatwick Airport station (10 minutes, £2), then a 5-minute walk. From South Terminal, it’s a £6 taxi or 15-minute walk. Open 24/7, best in daylight. Muddy paths—wear wellingtons.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 70–200mm lens for approaches; 100–400mm for taxiways. Afternoon light (2–5 PM) suits 26L arrivals; mornings are backlit. Shoot from fields for clean backgrounds. Video: 60fps, 1/1000s; tripods for 2–3s dusk shots. Minimal heat haze.
• Comfort & Facilities: No facilities—pack a chair, snacks, weather gear. Hardcore spotters only; not kid-friendly due to mud/isolation. Security is rare; stay on public land.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Muddy terrain/nettles need boots. Avoid private fields (marked, fines possible). Respect residents by parking responsibly, keeping noise low.

6. Copthorne Hotel Effingham Park (Garden Views)

• Coordinates: 51.1390°N, 0.1350°W
• Description: This hotel’s garden offers scenic views of Runway 26L/08R approaches, with aircraft like TUI B787s or Wizz Air A321s passing 200 yards overhead. The rural setting provides clean backgrounds for approach shots, ideal for relaxed spotting. Partial taxiway views add variety.
• Accessibility: Drive via A264 (parking £10/day, postcode RH10 3EU). Public transport: Bus 400 from Gatwick Airport station (15 minutes, £2), then a 10-minute walk. Garden access for guests; rooms £70–£120. Open 24/7, best in daylight.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 100–300mm lens for approaches; 200–400mm for taxiways. Afternoon light (2–5 PM) suits 26L arrivals. Video: 60fps, 1/1000s; tripods for 2–3s dusk shots. Minimal haze.
• Comfort & Facilities: Hotel restaurant (£8–£20 mains), bar, restrooms, Wi-Fi. Family-friendly; ideal for long stays. Outdoor garden exposed—bring layers.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Avoid large setups to respect guests. Security is minimal; stay in public areas. Kid-friendly but supervise in garden.

7. Lowfield Heath (Runway 08R Approach)

• Coordinates: 51.1510°N, 0.1900°W
• Description: This rural spot near Lowfield Heath offers dramatic views of Runway 08R approaches during easterly ops (30%), with aircraft like BA A320s or Norse Atlantic B787s passing 100–150 yards overhead. Open fields provide clean backgrounds, perfect for crosswind shots. Partial cargo apron views add freighter action.
• Accessibility: Drive via A23 (free parking on verges, limited). Public transport: Bus 20 from Gatwick Airport station (10 minutes, £2), then a 10-minute walk. From South Terminal, it’s a £6 taxi or 20-minute walk. Open 24/7, best in daylight. Muddy paths—wear wellingtons.
• Photo/Video Angles: Use a 100–300mm lens for approaches; 200–400mm for aprons. Afternoon light (2–5 PM) suits 08R arrivals; mornings backlit. Video: 60fps, 1/1000s; tripods for 2–3s dusk shots. Minimal haze.
• Comfort & Facilities: No facilities—pack a chair, snacks, weather gear. Hardcore spotters only; not kid-friendly due to mud/isolation. Security rare; stay on public land.
• Hazards & Etiquette: Muddy terrain/nettles need boots. Avoid private land (fines possible). Respect residents—park responsibly, keep noise low.

Aircraft & Airlines

Gatwick’s traffic is a vibrant mix, with 800+ daily movements:

• Major Airlines: Emirates (A380, B777-300ER, DXB-LGW), Qatar Airways (A350-900, DOH-LGW), TUI Airways (B787-8/9, CUN-LGW), Norse Atlantic (B787-9, JFK-LGW), British Airways (A320, A321, AGP-LGW), Turkish Airlines (B737-900, IST-LGW).
• Low-Cost/Regional: easyJet (A319, A320, A321neo, AMS-LGW), Ryanair (B737-800, MAX 8-200, ALC-LGW), Wizz Air (A321neo, BUD-LGW), Vueling (A320, BCN-LGW), Aurigny (ATR 72, GCI-LGW).
• Cargo: FedEx (B767-300F, MEM-LGW), DHL (B757-200F, LEJ-LGW), UPS (B747-8F, PHL-LGW). Peak cargo: 10 PM–4 AM. Rare heavies like Antonov An-124 visited in 2022, per @GatwickSpotters.
• Bizjets: Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation host Gulfstream G650ERs, Falcon 7X/8Xs, Bombardier Global 7500s. Recent sighting: VistaJet Falcon 7X (9H-VJD, July 1, 2025), per @GatwickSpotters.
• Military: Rare RAF A400Ms or BAe 146 VIP jets for charters. USAF C-130J diverted in 2024, per @UKAvGeek.
• General Aviation: Limited; small props (Cessna 172s) at nearby Redhill Aerodrome (15-minute drive). GA visible at Atlantic Aviation during training.

Runway Usage: Westerly ops (26L, 70%) for arrivals/departures; easterly ops (08R, 30%) for wind shifts. Backup runway (08L/26R) used rarely during maintenance. Night restrictions (11 PM–6 AM) limit flights; cargo exemptions apply. Check www.gatwickairport.com or @GatwickSpotters for schedules.

Traffic Patterns: Peaks at 6–11 AM (arrivals, e.g., TUI B787, 6 AM) and 4–8 PM (departures, e.g., Emirates A380, 7 PM). Cargo busiest 10 PM–4 AM; bizjets peak 10 AM–4 PM during events like Goodwood Festival. Seasonal routes (e.g., TUI to Orlando, easyJet to Sharm El-Sheikh) spike in winter/summer.

Rare Traffic & Events

Gatwick is a hotspot for avgeek surprises:

• Special Liveries: Recent sightings: easyJet’s “Europe by easyJet” A320 (G-EZOA, June 2025), TUI’s “Cape Verde” B787-9 (G-TUIO, May 2025), Wizz Air’s “Budapest” A321neo (HA-LVA, July 1, 2025), per @GatwickSpotters. Follow @UKAvGeek for alerts.
• Rare Aircraft: Passenger B747s are rare, but UPS B747-8Fs persist. Antonov An-225 landed in 2020, drawing thousands to Charlwood Road. A Ryanair B737-400 diverted in June 2024, per @GatwickSpotters.
• Military Visitors: RAF A400Ms or BAe 146 VIP jets visit for charters (monitor 124.225 MHz). USAF C-17 diverted in 2023, per @UKAvGeek. LGW is a NATO alternate, boosting military potential.
• Diversions: LGW sees transatlantic heavies (Delta A330s, Air Canada B787s) during Heathrow/Stansted closures. Qantas A380 diverted in March 2025, per @GatwickSpotters.
• Events: Gatwick Aviation Society events (check gatwickaviationsociety.org.uk) offer apron tours. Goodwood Festival of Speed (30-minute drive, July 2026) features flyovers visible from LGW. Redhill Airshow (15-minute drive, summer) complements visits.

Pro Tip: Mornings (6–10 AM) for transatlantic/charter arrivals; evenings (4–8 PM) for departures; late nights (10 PM–4 AM) for cargo. Use Flightradar24’s “LGW/EGKK” filter or Plane Finder. Monitor @GatwickSpotters for rares.

Tips for Visiting

• Tech Tools:
  • Apps: Flightradar24 Pro (£50/year, filter LGW/EGKK, sort by heavies/bizjets), ADS-B Exchange for unfiltered military/bizjet data, LiveATC.net (tower 124.225 MHz, ground 121.800 MHz, approach 126.825 MHz), FlightAware for cargo/charter schedules. Plane Finder’s AR mode IDs overhead aircraft.
  • Gear: DSLR (Canon EOS R5/Nikon Z7, £2,000+), 100–400mm lens (Canon RF 100–400mm, £600), tripod (Manfrotto Befree, £100), binoculars (Bushnell 10×42, £100), scanner (Uniden UBC125XLT, £150), power bank, polarizing filter, high-visibility vest. Budget: Canon 2000D with 70–300mm lens (£400).
  • Camera Settings: Jets: 1/1000s+, ISO 100–400, f/8. GA: 1/500s for prop blur, f/6.3. Night ops: 1–4s, ISO 800–1600, tripod, Lightroom noise reduction. Crosswinds: 1/1250s, burst mode. Boost saturation for Wizz Air’s pink livery; underexpose for easyJet’s orange fuselage.
• Timing:
  • Daily: 6–11 AM (arrivals, e.g., Norse B787, 6 AM); 4–8 PM (departures, e.g., Qatar A350, 7 PM); 10 PM–4 AM (cargo, hardcore only).
  • Weekly: Sundays for charters (e.g., TUI to Orlando); Monday–Thursday for cargo/bizjets.
  • Seasonal: Summer for daylight/charters; winter for diversions/crosswinds.
• Safety & Etiquette:
  • Rules: Stick to public areas (Charlwood, South Terminal). Trespassing airside is illegal (£100+ fines, arrest risk). Avoid pointing lenses at security cameras/infrastructure.
  • Local Vibe: LGW is spotter-friendly (official guide at www.gatwickairport.com). Security is strict near runways—be polite, cooperative. Respect Charlwood/Lowfield Heath residents—park responsibly, keep noise low.
  • Hazards: Muddy terrain at Charlwood/Povey Cross needs boots. Rain/wind common—secure tripods, wear waterproofs. Night spotting requires high-visibility clothing near roads. Avoid private land (fines possible).
• Weather: Wet, windy—pack jackets, wellingtons, layers. Charlwood/Povey Cross exposed; hotels/terrace offer shelter. Morning light favors 26L; afternoons suit 08R. Crosswinds (10–20 knots) create epic shots.

Extras for AvGeeks

• Historical Significance: Opened in 1930 as an aerodrome, LGW became a major hub post-WWII. It hosted early B747s (1970s) and the A380’s UK debut outside Heathrow (Emirates, 2014). The Antonov An-225 landed in 2020, a historic moment. Gatwick was a Dan-Air base, with preserved aircraft at nearby Dunsfold (30-minute drive).
• Insider Nuggets:
  • easyJet’s maintenance base (South Terminal) services A320s/A321neos; test flights visible from Charlwood (monitor 126.825 MHz).
  • Atlantic Aviation hosts VIP jets during Goodwood or royal visits—check @GatwickSpotters.
  • LGW’s control tower (44 meters) manages single-runway ops with precision.
  • Noise restrictions (11 PM–6 AM) limit flights; cargo exemptions allow B747-8F ops.
• Static Displays: No on-site displays, but Dunsfold Aerodrome (30-minute drive, GU8 4BS) preserves a BAe 146 and B737. Entry £10, open weekends. Gatwick Aviation Museum (10-minute drive, RH6 0BT) showcases Hunters, Shackletons; £7.50, open Fridays–Sundays.
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Redhill Aerodrome (15-minute drive, 51.2136°N, 0.1386°W): GA hub with Tiger Moths, Cessna 172s. Free entry, café 9 AM–4 PM.
  • Dunsfold Aerodrome (30-minute drive): Historic aircraft, Top Gear track. Entry £10, open weekends.
  • Wings Museum (20-minute drive, RH17 6JT): WWII aircraft, £8 entry, open weekends.
• Aviation Shops: South Terminal’s WHSmith sells Airliner World (£5), easyJet models (£10–£50). Gatwick Aviation Museum shop offers LGW-specific titles (£15).

Practical Planning Guide

• Getting There:
  • Car: From London (30 miles), take M23/A23 (45 minutes). Free parking at Charlwood/Povey Cross (limited); South/North Terminal lots £5–£15. Postcode RH6 0NP (South Terminal), RH6 0AJ (Charlwood).
  • Public Transport: Gatwick Airport station (Southern/Thameslink, 30 minutes from London Victoria, £10–£20). Buses 10/20/22 from South Terminal (5–10 minutes, £2). National Express from Victoria (1 hour, £8–£15). Taxis to spots: £6–£10.
• Best Times to Visit:
  • Daily: 6–11 AM (arrivals, e.g., TUI B787, 6 AM); 4–8 PM (departures, e.g., Emirates A380, 7 PM); 10 PM–4 AM (cargo, hardcore only).
  • Weekly: Sundays for charters (e.g., TUI to Orlando); Monday–Thursday for cargo/bizjets.
  • Seasonal: Summer for daylight/charters; winter for diversions/crosswinds.
• What to Bring:
  • Essentials: DSLR, 100–400mm lens, tripod, binoculars, scanner, power bank, polarizing filter, rain gear, wellingtons, chair, snacks, high-visibility vest.
  • Optional: Noise-canceling headphones (Bose QuietComfort, £200), anemometer (HoldPeak HP-866B, £30), portable speaker for ATC.
• Accommodation: Hilton Gatwick (£80–£150, runway views), Premier Inn North Terminal (£50–£100, no views), Copthorne Effingham Park (£70–£120, garden views). Book early for summer. Travelodge Gatwick Central (£40–£80, 10-minute drive).
• Nearby Amenities: South Terminal Costa (£3–£8), North Terminal Wagamama (£8–£15, post-security), Charlwood’s Greyhound Pub (10-minute walk, £8–£15). Charlwood/Povey Cross lack facilities—pack a cooler.

Community & Resources

• Local Spotting Groups: @GatwickSpotters and @UKAvGeek on X for real-time alerts on liveries, diversions, bizjets. Gatwick Aviation Society (gatwickaviationsociety.org.uk) shares logs/photos. gatwickspotters.co.uk tracks rares.
• Forums & Apps: Planespotters.net, Airliners.net for LGW threads. YouTube’s “Gatwick Live” streams Charlwood sessions. Flightradar24 Pro (£50/year), ADS-B Exchange for unfiltered traffic. LiveATC.net streams LGW frequencies.
• Publications: “Gatwick Airport Through Time” (£15, Amberley Publishing), Airliner World (£5), Aviation News (£5). SpotterGuide.net offers LGW guides.
• Events: Gatwick Aviation Society events (gatwickaviationsociety.org.uk) for apron tours. Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 2026, 30-minute drive), Redhill Airshow complement LGW.

AvGeek Itinerary: A Perfect Day at Gatwick

• 6:00 AM: Start at Charlwood Road for Runway 26L sunrise landings (TUI B787, 6 AM). Use 70–200mm lens, 1/1250s for crab angles. Tune to tower (124.225 MHz).
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast at South Terminal Costa (£6), spotting from Viewing Terrace (easyJet A320, 8 AM). Check Flightradar24 for bizjets.
• 10:00 AM: North Terminal car park (Level 5) for apron views (Ryanair B737 pushbacks). Use 100–400mm lens; log registrations.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Hilton’s Amy’s Restaurant (£10), shooting Runway 26L departures (Qatar A350, 12:30 PM). Monitor @GatwickSpotters for diversions.
• 2:00 PM: Povey Cross Road for Runway 26L approaches (Norwegian B737, 2 PM). Use 100–300mm lens, 60fps video.
• 4:00 PM: Copthorne Effingham Park garden for Runway 26L approaches (Wizz Air A321, 4 PM). Use 100–300mm lens; check ADS-B Exchange.
• 6:00 PM: Lowfield Heath for Runway 08R approaches (if active, Norse B787, 6 PM). Tripod for 2–3s dusk shots.
• 8:00 PM: Optional night cargo at Charlwood (FedEx B767, 10 PM). Use 1–4s exposures. Dinner at Greyhound Pub (£10) or overnight at Hilton.

Photos & Maps

• Shot Examples: Charlwood: smoky A380 landings. South Terminal: taxiing A320s. Hilton: B787s with Sussex hills. Povey Cross: dramatic approaches. Lowfield Heath: rural-backed shots. See @GatwickSpotters, YouTube’s “Gatwick Live.”
• Editing Tips: Adobe Lightroom (£10/month) to boost easyJet’s orange livery, reduce night shot noise (ISO 800–1600). Underexpose for Ryanair’s white fuselage; enhance Wizz Air’s pink tail. Polarizing filters cut Hilton glare. DaVinci Resolve (free) for 4K video (60fps).
• Maps: SpotterGuide.net, www.gatwickairport.com for LGW maps. Google Maps’ satellite view for Povey Cross/Lowfield Heath.

Your Rating

• Traffic (9/10): Diverse low-cost, long-haul, cargo, bizjets. Special liveries/diversions frequent; military rare.
• Access (9/10): Excellent rail (Thameslink), free parking (Charlwood). Hotels cost but add comfort. Security strict but spotter-friendly.
• Photo Ops (8/10): Stunning angles at Charlwood/Povey Cross; fences/haze challenge, but crosswinds elevate shots.
• Rare Sightings (8/10): Regular special liveries, diversions, bizjets; military visits sporadic but impactful.

Gatwick Airport is an avgeek’s delight, blending high-volume traffic, historic charm, and vibrant spotting spots. From Charlwood’s runway-edge thrill to the Hilton’s cozy vistas, LGW delivers an unforgettable adventure.