Gatwick Airport, located in West Sussex, England, is one of the busiest airports in the UK. It handles over 46 million passengers annually and is considered a vital part of the country’s transport infrastructure. However, many people are unaware of who actually owns Gatwick Airport.
In 2009, Gatwick Airport was sold by BAA Limited to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for £1.5 billion. GIP is a private equity firm that specializes in infrastructure investments. Since the acquisition, GIP has invested heavily in the airport, including the construction of a new runway and terminal facilities. Today, Gatwick Airport is considered one of GIP’s most valuable assets.
Ownership History
Initial Ownership and Development
Gatwick Airport was initially opened in 1933 as a small, single-runway airport. It was privately owned by the Gatwick Racecourse Company, which had purchased the land in the 1920s. The airport was primarily used for flying clubs and private aviation.
In the 1950s, the airport was expanded, and a new terminal was built. Ownership of the airport was transferred to the Ministry of Transport in 1958, and it was renamed London Gatwick Airport.
Ownership Changes Over the Years
In 1965, the airport was sold to the British Airports Authority (BAA). The BAA was later privatized in 1987, and Gatwick Airport became part of BAA plc.
In 2009, BAA was forced to sell Gatwick Airport by the Competition Commission. The airport was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for £1.5 billion. GIP is an independent infrastructure fund manager that invests in infrastructure assets around the world.
In 2019, GIP sold a 50.01% stake in Gatwick Airport to Vinci Airports for £2.9 billion. Vinci Airports is a subsidiary of Vinci SA, a French construction company. The remaining 49.99% stake is still owned by GIP.
Currently, Gatwick Airport is jointly owned by Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners.
Current Ownership Structure
Majority Shareholders
As of 2024, Gatwick Airport is majority-owned by VINCI Airports, a subsidiary of the French construction and concession company VINCI. VINCI Airports owns 50.01% of the airport, making it the controlling shareholder.
Minority Interests
Gatwick Airport also has several minority shareholders, including the Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). GIP owns 49.99% of the airport, making it the second-largest shareholder. ADIA owns a small stake in the airport, which was acquired in 2018.
The ownership structure of Gatwick Airport has changed over the years. In 2009, the airport was sold to GIP, a private equity firm. In 2018, VINCI Airports acquired a majority stake in the airport, while GIP retained a minority stake.
Overall, the current ownership structure of Gatwick Airport reflects the trend towards consolidation in the airport industry, with larger companies acquiring controlling stakes in airports around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entity currently holds the ownership of Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport is currently owned by VINCI Airports, a subsidiary of VINCI Group, a French multinational construction and concessions company.
Can you outline the historical changes in Gatwick Airport’s ownership?
Gatwick Airport has had several owners over the years. In 1962, the airport was purchased by the British Airports Authority (BAA), which was later privatized and became known as Heathrow Airport Holdings. In 2009, Gatwick Airport was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm. In 2019, VINCI Airports acquired a majority stake in Gatwick Airport from GIP.
Is Gatwick Airport operated by the same company that owns Heathrow Airport?
No, Gatwick Airport is not operated by the same company that owns Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings, while Gatwick Airport is owned by VINCI Airports.
Has Gatwick Airport ever been under the ownership of Nigerian investors?
There is no record of Gatwick Airport ever being under the ownership of Nigerian investors.
What is the structure of Gatwick Airport’s ownership, and is it a privately-held entity?
Gatwick Airport is a privately-held entity owned by VINCI Airports, which is in turn owned by VINCI Group. VINCI Group is a publicly-traded company on the Euronext Paris stock exchange.
Who maintains the ownership of London City Airport in comparison to Gatwick Airport?
London City Airport is owned by a consortium of investors, including Alberta Investment Management Corporation, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and Wren House Infrastructure Management. It is not owned by VINCI Airports or Heathrow Airport Holdings.
