Gatwick is the eighth-busiest airport in Europe and sits behind Mumbai as the world's busiest single-runway air hub.

"Gatwick is a major piece of national infrastructure, and our continued growth and ability to attract long-haul airlines is vital for the health of the UK economy, particularly in a post-Brexit world," said the airport's chief executive Stewart Wingate.

"By committing to spend another £1.1 billion, Gatwick can continue to grow sustainably, attract new airlines and offer more global connections, while providing an excellent service to passengers."

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From December 2009 to the end of the new five-year investment in 2023, the total investment figure rises to £3.14 billion.

Gatwick serves more than 228 destinations in 74 countries for 45 million passengers a year. It predicts that passenger numbers will hit nearly 53 million by 2023.

The expansion work includes a new domestic arrivals facility, including a new baggage reclaim in the South Terminal, redevelopment of its hotel capacity, and a new extension in the North Terminal departure lounge to accommodate new restaurants.

The British government has ruled out investing in building a second runway at Gatwick, instead preferring the construction of a third at London's main Heathrow airport, the busiest passenger air hub in Europe.

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