Gatwick’s Second Runway: A Launchpad for Aviation Talent
The government’s approval of Gatwick Airport’s £2.2bn second runway is set to reshape the aviation sector in the South East. With 100,000 additional flights each year and 14,000 new jobs projected by 2029, this expansion will demand more than new infrastructure, it will require people.
The recruitment challenge ahead
For airlines, ground handlers, logistics firms, and service providers, the second runway signals a sharp rise in recruitment needs. Employers will face increasing pressure to:
Recruit at scale: thousands of new hires across operational, technical, and customer-facing roles.
Secure specialist skills: engineers, compliance experts, digital specialists, and sustainability professionals.
Plan future workforces: aligning talent strategies with the long-term growth of Gatwick.
Strengthen inclusion: building teams that reflect both the communities served and the global nature of aviation.
How we support Gatwick employers
At Aviation Recruitment Network, our focus is on helping aviation businesses prepare for this growth. We work with clients to design recruitment strategies that are agile, compliant, and people-focused. From high-volume hiring to executive search, we connect employers with the talent they need to thrive in a changing market.
Our Managing Director, Kully Sandhu, explains:
“With thousands of new roles forecasted, we’re preparing to support airlines, airports, and service providers in sourcing the talent that will drive this next chapter of growth. It’s an exciting time to be connecting people with careers that will shape the future of travel.”
Why partner with us?
25 years of specialist aviation recruitment expertise.
Proven track record in volume and specialist hiring across various industries including hospitality, logistics and airside roles.
Recruitment solutions aligned with the strictest CAA compliance standards.
Preparing for growth at Gatwick
The runway approval creates immediate and long-term workforce challenges for employers. Partnering with a specialist recruiter ensures you are ready to meet demand, attract the right talent, and build teams capable of sustaining growth.
If your organisation is based at Gatwick or planning to expand there, we’re ready to support your recruitment needs.
