What Does Lockdown 2 Mean For Gatwick Airport?

As England enters November’s lockdown phase, travel rules and airport procedures are shifting to reflect the new public health guidance. If you are travelling into England during this period, you should check whether you need to self-isolate for 14 days. Regardless of isolation requirements, you are required to abide by the airport’s rules when passing through Gatwick. In this post, we’ll unpack what lockdown 2 means for Gatwick Airport and highlight the four key rules the airport is asking all travellers to follow as they move through the terminals.

What does Lockdown 2 mean for Gatwick Airport?

Lockdown 2 introduces reinforced health and safety measures across transportation hubs, with a focus on reducing transmission risk while keeping travel possible. For Gatwick Airport, this translates into:

• Mandatory face coverings for all passengers and staff in passenger areas.
• Enhanced cleaning regimes and sanitation measures, including frequent cleaning of touchpoints.
• Physical distancing and floor management to support at least two metres of separation where possible.
• Clear communications to remind travellers of rules, as well as additional PPE disposal options.

These changes are designed to protect both travellers and airport staff, while ensuring essential travel can continue within the framework of public health requirements.

Four key rules Gatwick is asking travellers to follow

Gatwick Airport has implemented a concise set of guidelines designed to be clearly understood and easy to follow. The rules are displayed throughout the terminals to assist every traveller. Here are the four core requirements:

• Wear a face covering
  • Both passengers and staff are required to wear face coverings in all passenger areas. This aligns with current health guidance and is a legal requirement in many circumstances. Ensure your mask is properly fitted and worn during your time in the airport.
• Maintain two metres social distancing
  • Tapes, floor markings, and designated queuing areas help you keep a safe distance from others. Be mindful of others’ space when moving through security, check-in, and boarding zones.
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser
  • Frequent handwashing with soap and water remains a cornerstone of hygiene. Use hand sanitiser provided at various points throughout the terminals, particularly after touching shared surfaces.
• Use dedicated sanitiser stations and PPE disposal
  • The airport has installed PPE bins for the safe disposal of used face coverings and gloves. You’ll also notice hand sanitiser stations and signs encouraging frequent sanitisation.

Additional protective measures at Gatwick

Beyond the four core rules, Gatwick has introduced several enhancements to protect travellers and staff:

• Protective screens at key contact points
  • Check-in, boarding areas, and gates feature protective screens to minimise direct contact and reduce transmission risk.
• Increased cleaning and dedicated staff
  • Cleaning teams focus on commonly touched surfaces, such as touchscreens and handrails, with regular disinfection throughout the day.
• Signage and announcements
  • Regular announcements and ample signage remind travellers to observe social distancing, wash hands, and use sanitiser. This helps reinforce good hygiene habits during the journey.
• Seating and flow adjustments
  • Seating arrangements have been adapted to support social distancing. In some areas, one-way flow patterns help reduce face-to-face contact and smooth passenger movement.
• Family and group considerations
  • In recognition that families and groups often travel together, Gatwick allows them to sit together, balancing safety with practical travel needs.

What travellers can expect in practice

• At security and check-in
  • Expect protective barriers at counters, staff wearing face coverings, and colleagues following enhanced hygiene protocols. Be prepared for possible additional time for social distancing or queuing, and follow the floor markings.
• In departure lounges and gates
  • You will encounter PPE usage by staff in passenger areas, sanitiser availability, and ongoing reminders to keep a safe distance. Boarding procedures may include markers and staggered timelines to reduce crowding.
• In arrivals and transport to the terminal
  • While the main emphasis remains on in-terminal safety, travellers should also consider the broader travel cycle, including potential changes to car-parking, taxi, or public transport arrangements in line with lockdown guidelines.

Practical tips for a smoother experience

• Plan ahead and check official guidance
  • Before you travel, review the latest rules from Gatwick and UK government sources. Conditions can evolve, so staying informed helps avoid last-minute surprises.
• Pack appropriately
  • Bring a well-fitted face covering, extra masks if needed, and a small bottle of hand sanitiser for personal use in case you find yourself away from stations with sanitiser.
• Leave ample time
  • Allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding if you’re navigating new procedures or longer queues due to distancing measures.
• Respect staff directions
  • Airport staff are there to help you navigate the new rules. Following their guidance helps keep everyone safe and speeds up the travel process.

Lockdown 2 introduces a structured, health-focused approach to air travel through Gatwick Airport. The emphasis remains on four core behaviours: wearing a face covering, maintaining two metres of social distancing, washing or sanitising hands regularly, and using PPE disposal facilities where appropriate. In addition to these, enhanced cleaning, protective screens, and clear signage further support a safer travel environment.

If you’re planning to fly into or out of England during November, it’s essential to check whether you need to self-isolate for 14 days, as local rules may vary. Regardless of isolation requirements, Gatwick’s rules apply to all passengers in terminal areas, underscoring the shared responsibility of travellers and staff to minimise risk. By staying informed and following these measures, you can help ensure a smoother and safer journey through Gatwick during lockdown 2.

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