Gatwick | Gatwick Airport Chaplaincy

Introduction

The original South Terminal chapel was replaced in 2013 with a purpose-built facility dedicated to serving the needs of all faith communities.

History

The construction of a second (“North”) terminal in 1988 heralded the arrival of a new North Terminal chapel in 1991, with wood carvings for each faith.

Architecture and furnishings

The interfaith purpose of the chapel was clear from the start, with symbols incorporating religious motifs for Christianity, Judaism and Islam later supplemented with symbols for Hinduism, Buddhism and the Sikh Khanda. Each chapel has an altar table used by all denominations and a lectern. Each chapel contains a ritual washing facility (Wudhu) for use before prayer. A dedicated and appropriately screened area supports Muslim prayer, containing a table for holy scripture and a cupboard for prayer rugs, with a possible dedicated mimbar or pulpit chair for Khutbah sermons.

Music and liturgy

The current chaplaincy team includes Anglican, Baptist, Elim Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Buddhist and Muslim members, many of whom lead their respective services throughout the week.

Parish life

The chaplaincy is part of the British Isles and Ireland Airport Chaplains’ Network and a member of the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains. The Lead Chaplain started in October 2023 and is also Rector of two local Church of England parishes. The current lead chaplain is also Rector of St Nicholas Charlwood and Emmanuel Sidlow Bridge.

The South Terminal chapel is on level 3, upstairs from Check-in. The North Terminal chapel is on level 1, downstairs from Departures.

Regular events

London Gatwick provides temporary 'pop-up' prayer spaces during Ramadan, Lent and Passover in the airside departure lounges. The chaplains support pilgrimage groups such as Hajj or Lourdes, with additional pilgrimage services or prayers often possible with advance notification.

Bernard leads weekly 'Thought & Prayer for the Day' services in both terminal chapels on Monday. Chaplains support seasonal services and special events around the airport.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The chaplaincy cares for the whole airport community, passengers and staff, meeting their spiritual needs outside church buildings while respecting faith diversity. People come to the chapels to chat, rest, pray, and prepare for travel, including those delayed, stranded, bereaved, or friendless. The chaplaincy cares for the public worship spaces in both terminals and is an identifiable presence for passengers and staff airside and landside. The chaplaincy provides a quiet place for prayer and reflection.

A Salvation Army Officer of 39 years has worked as a Christian chaplain at Gatwick since 2018. An ordained Elim Pentecostal minister, who has been part of the chaplaincy team since March 2024, pastors an Elim church in Southwater. A licensed Church Army evangelist and lay minister at St Luke's commenced her chaplaincy role in April 2024. A Church of England Authorised Lay Minister in Chaplaincy previously served as cabin crew with British Airways at Gatwick.

A pastoral visitor who attends Redhill Baptist Church is part of the chaplaincy team. A Seventh-day Adventist minister joined the chaplaincy team in November 2025 and serves churches across North and East London.