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Regulation

How we do business is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority

License system

How we do business is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) through a licence system.

The way London Gatwick is regulated was transformed in 2014, when a system of 'contracts and commitments' was introduced.

How it works

London Gatwick makes a set of ‘commitments’ which include a ceiling on the average level of airport charges, a minimum level of investment and a system of rebates if we miss certain service quality targets (known as core service standards). These commitments are conditions of our economic licence issued by the CAA.

The commitments framework is intended to be a proportionate and targeted approach to economic regulation, which encourages bilateral contracting with airlines and facilitates commercial rather than regulator-led decision making. Under the framework, we enter bilateral contracts with many individual airline customers tailored to their individual requirements. These commercial agreements ensure that we consistently work with airline partners to enhance the customer experience.

The current commitments were introduced in 2021 and cover the four year period to 31 March 2025. Our economic licence and proposal to extend the commitments to 31 March 2029 are available on the CAA’s economic regulation webpage.

Our Conditions of Use set out airport charges and price and service commitments for the current year.

2024/5 Conditions of Use

2023/4 Conditions of Use

Organisations London Gatwick works with
Airlines

Around 45 airlines fly from London Gatwick. They're responsible for check in and boarding, delivering hold baggage to its destination, cargo and providing and fueling planes.

NATS

NATS look after air traffic control and management of the UK and North Atlantic airspace. They control movements from when planes leave their stand to when it leaves UK airspace. 

NATS 

Airport Coordination Limited (ACL)

ACL are responsible for allocating slots and other data collection. They also operate at other UK airports. 

ACL

Border Force

Border Force secures the UK borders and controls migration in the UK.

Border Force

Civil Aviation Authority

The CAA control all flight paths and routes at UK airports. They regulate airlines, airports and air traffic services. They also set airport charges at London airports. 

CAA

Commercial services

Individual businesses and services help improve your airport experience.  

These include shops, restaurants, car parking and currency exchange

Department of Transport

The DfT’s role is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system.  

DfT

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

HMRC control the import and export of goods. They also prevent illegal activities.

HMRC