April 24, 2025
by
Jonathan Andrews
London Gatwick Airport is implementing a new Integrated Airport Control (IAC) System designed to improve operational efficiency through real-time data integration and predictive analytics.
Developed in collaboration with technology provider Veovo, the system is part of a phased initiative aimed at enhancing coordination across the airport and supporting a shift towards more connected and pre-emptive operations.
“The future of airport operations lies in predictive decision-making,” said Neil Harvey, Head of Operations at Gatwick. “We are building a system that provides a clear operational picture and proactively guides the right actions to minimise disruptions and enhance efficiency. This is about building fantastic passenger journeys, optimising resources, and improving on-time performance.”
At the core of the system is a Virtual Control Room—a digital platform that consolidates key operational data, performance indicators and alerts. It provides a shared view of current conditions and predicted scenarios, allowing airport teams to respond more quickly and consistently.
The IAC is designed to bring together information from across the airport’s operations, including flight data, passenger flow, baggage handling, security, border control, and transport services. It supports real-time coordination by providing a unified source of information for all stakeholders.
Initial capabilities include forecasting tools that assess the impact of disruptions such as weather changes or transport delays, queue and processing analytics to support passenger flow, and AI-driven recommendations based on both historical and live data.
The system, developed with input from Veovo and its technology partners, is being deployed in stages–expanding from a small set of operational use cases to more than 35. It also lays the foundation for a dynamic Airport Operations Plan (AOP), enabling continual alignment and adjustment of airport processes.
London Gatwick’s implementation of the IAC System reflects an approach to airport management that uses integrated data and automation to support more effective operational oversight. The model may be of interest to other airports seeking to enhance coordination and responsiveness in complex, high-traffic environments.
“This collaboration reinforces London Gatwick’s commitment to innovation and sets anew benchmark for data-driven airport management in Europe,” said James Williamson, Veovo CEO. “Our technology turns data into predictions and action, allowing Gatwick Airport to move beyond reactive operations to more joined-up, automated decision-making. It’s about creating an airport that sees ahead and takes proactive action to improve the overall performance of the airport.”
Image: © Sue Martin| Dreamstime.com
