Higgins will take up the position at the south-east terminal on January 1 next year.
He will replace Sir Roy McNulty, who remains on the airport’s board as deputy chairman.
Higgins is currently chairman of the HS2 rail project and a board member of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
He was also chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority for the London 2012 games between 2005-2011.
Upon the announcement of his appointment, Higgins said: “The progress Gatwick has made over recent years under Sir Roy McNulty’s chairmanship has been remarkable. It is now firmly established as the UK’s second airport and is a vital part of the London Airports System.
“Whilst the case for Gatwick expansion in the future remains very strong, the challenge for Gatwick now is to continue to invest so it can maximise the use of its existing facilities and so can do even more for Britain in the coming years.
“I look forward to working closely with Stewart Wingate and the Senior Executive Team. Their impressive track record to date provides a strong foundation for the future. Uniquely, Gatwick caters for all airline types and I am keen to meet as many of the airlines as possible early in the New Year to hear how best we can continue to work together for the benefit of passengers.”
Outgoing chairman McNulty added: “I am delighted Sir David has accepted the appointment as the new chairman of Gatwick. We worked closely together for over five years at the Olympic Delivery Authority.
“He combines a first class intellect with the ability to give clear strategic direction and make things happen. He is exactly the right person to lead Gatwick through the next chapter in its development.”
