Gatwick Airport parking. Photo: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com London Gatwick Airport is introducing the United Kingdom's first robotic airport parking service, giving travelers a futuristic new way to begin their journeys.
The airport announced a partnership with Stanley Robotics that will see autonomous parking robots take charge of moving vehicles to secure parking spaces near the South Terminal. The service is now available to book, with the first passengers expected to use it in August 2026.
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The process is designed to be simple. Drivers arrive at a dedicated parking facility, scan their booking details, and park inside a private drop-off cabin. After stepping out of the vehicle, passengers can keep their keys and head directly to the terminal while a robotic platform carefully lifts the car by its wheels and transports it to a secure parking area.
Upon returning from their trip, travelers will find their vehicle waiting for them, eliminating the need to search large parking lots or wait for valet services.
According to Gatwick, the robotic system is compatible with approximately 95% of vehicle models. The airport says the facility has been designed with security in mind, featuring 24-hour patrols, automatic number plate recognition entry and exit systems, restricted public access, perimeter fencing, and Park Mark Safer Parking accreditation.
The new offering is part of Gatwick's broader effort to improve the passenger experience through technology and innovation.
Airport officials believe robotic parking can make travel more convenient, particularly during busy holiday periods when airport parking facilities are often under pressure. The service also maximizes the use of available space, as robots can position vehicles more efficiently than traditional parking layouts.
Accessibility has also been considered in the design. The airport says the private garages are fully compliant with the Equality Act 2010, while shuttle services connecting the parking area to the terminal are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
The launch places Gatwick among a small number of airports worldwide experimenting with robotic parking technology. Similar systems have previously been tested in countries including France and Germany, but this marks the first commercial deployment at a UK airport.
For travelers heading through London's second busiest airport this summer, the future of airport parking may now begin with handing the job over to a robot.