GATWICK Airport railway station - run by Govia Thameslink Railway - has been shortlisted for a national award.

It has been named as one of the National Transport Award’s finalists in the ‘rail station of the year’ category.

The station – which saw annual footfall exceed 18 million passengers in February this year – has been working with stakeholders at the site, including Gatwick Airport Limited, to improve facilities.

The station is located in the heart of the south terminal at Gatwick Airport.

Angie Doll, passenger services director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “I am thrilled that Gatwick has been shortlisted in these respected national awards.

“Over the last year Gatwick Express has significantly improved the station to enhance the overall travelling experience for passengers.

“Due to this focus, and our work with a number of stakeholders, travellers are now benefitting from a more passenger-focused experience.

“The new Gatwick Express lounge and a ‘countdown’ clock to the next Gatwick Express service to London are helping to improve the journey for passengers through the station even more.”

Stephen MacCallaugh, head of Gatwick Express, said: “It is fantastic to see the efforts of our frontline staff and management team at Gatwick station recognised with this accolade.

“To improve passenger journeys – which only continue to increase - in collaboration with GAL and our internal partners, we have implemented a number of solutions.

“These include better signage which matches the airport design;, a new waiting area and better ticketing systems.

“The introduction of our new fleet of trains has also been welcomed by airport passengers as the new trains provide real-time information, power sockets, free Wi-Fi and are fully air-conditioned.

“This is in addition to the excellent customer service.”