The Sussex airport said it was expanding and “accelerating” its investment programme to £2.5 billion to cope with “rapid passenger growth”. This will include a new tender process for projects connected to the building of a second runway.

Gatwick and Heathrow are currently locked in a battle of words about which airport should be given permission by the government for a new runway.

The Airports Commission has recommended a third runway at Heathrow as the solution to the capacity crunch in the south-east.

But the government has delayed a decision until “at least” this summer to allow more work to be done on the potential environmental impact of expansion at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Gatwick’s development director Raymond Melee said the airport’s investment plans were being brought forward as it approached full capacity.

“Over the next five years, we will be investing £1.2 billion to meet accelerated passenger growth and bringing forward crucial infrastructure projects,” said Melee.    
 
“Gatwick will in the very near future also be seeking expressions of interest from consultants to tender for work on our second runway building programme.
 
“It is important that Gatwick is ready to start work as soon as we get government approval to deliver the increased capacity Britain desperately needs.”

Gatwick also plans to bring forward the expansion of the North Terminal’s departure lounge and the extension of the Border Force immigration area in both terminals.

Other improvements will include the refurbishment of pier and gate rooms, enhancements to food and drink outlets, and work on Gatwick’s roads, bus and coach facilities.