Echo Romeo Rapid Exit Taxiway at London Gatwick Airport

The Echo Romeo Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET) at London Gatwick Airport has been successfully completed, allowing for an efficient aviation expertise. The airside project improves aircraft movement efficiency at Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, serving over 40 million passengers annually and remains in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The project was completed in February 2024, following an extensive construction process that navigated working in a live airport environment both holding our own safety standards and aviation safety procedures. We are proud to have successfully delivered the new RET Echo Romeo Runway on schedule while maintaining health and safety standards and no disruptions to air services

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Client : London Gatwick Airport

Location : Gatwick, London

Engineer : AtkinsRéalis

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Developed through early contractor involvement (ECI), the project benefited from close collaboration with Gatwick Airport, AtkinsRéalis, and key supply-chain partners.

Beginning in late 2022, the ECI phase facilitated cost control, design optimisation, and efficient mobilisation. Construction began in March 2023, with extensive earthworks, advanced drainage systems, and high-performance surfacing materials ensuring the RET meets all operational and safety standards.

Key project highlights:

Installation of 151 airfield ground lights (AGLs).
A 450m³ attenuation tank to support drainage infrastructure.
15,200m² of new pavement.
A time-sensitive reconstruction of the Northern Runway shoulder, completed within six-hour overnight windows.

The Echo Romeo RET is a landmark achievement, showcasing PJ Hegarty’s expertise in airside construction. The project enhances Gatwick’s airside infrastructure, improved resilience, lowered carbon emissions and supporting the airport’s continued growth.