An airport operator has announced plans for £850 million of improvements at Gatwick.

BAA said reducing congestion was a priority over the next 11 years.

The company expects 2.8 per cent more passengers each year during that period.

Its key project at Gatwick will be alterations to help it cope with new, bigger aircraft and more traffic.

Money will be spent improving passenger security at both the airport's terminals.

Andy Flower, BAA Gatwick's managing director, said: "The 2007 capital investment plan for Gatwick outlines how the airport could develop to meet the needs of passengers and airlines.

"The plan has been developed in collaboration with Gatwick's airlines and identifies capacity and asset improvement projects totalling about £850 million.

"Through this programme, Gatwick intends to provide the most appropriate levels of capacity and the right service for passengers."

BAA said it would spend £9.3 billion overhauling its three London airports.

Most of that will be spent building a fifth terminal at Heathrow and replacing its Terminal 2 building.

Stansted is to overtake Gatwick as the capital's second busiest airport, with plans for a new runway and terminal.

Stephen Nelson, chief executive of BAA, said: "Last month, BAA announced its continuing investment to cut airport queues quickly.

"Today we are focused on our long-term plans to free the travelling public from congestion and provide a good experience at our airports.

"Our investment programme is big, ambitious and long-term, yet will require no subsidy from taxpayers."