As reported in a previous story potential bidders include Australia’s Macquarie, Germany's Fraport, and MAG, the owners of Manchester airport. Virgin Atlantic has also expressed an interest in bidding as part of a wider business consortium.

However the proposed sale has not pleased Unite trade union. Their national officer, Steve Turner, said: "It simply beggars belief that a 'For Sale' sign can be hung across the country's second largest airport. Gatwick is a core component of the national infrastructure and an essential part of the UK's aviation sector, yet it is to be flogged off with little care for the wider social impact."

Gatwick operates with a single runway that is operating approaching full capacity.