Gatwick Airport tests robot valet parking for long‑stay cars

London Gatwick Airport has launched a pilot program that uses automated parking robots to manage long‑stay car parking. The system, now being tested on a dedicated area of the airport’s car‑park, is designed to store most types of passenger vehicles securely while reducing the need for traditional ground‑staffed spaces. Travelers opting for the service will pay a modest surcharge above the standard long‑stay rate, reflecting the added convenience and technology‑driven handling of their cars.

The robotic system lifts vehicles onto a compact, multi‑level grid, allowing a higher density of parked cars within the same footprint and providing continuous monitoring through integrated security sensors. Airport officials say the trial aims to assess reliability, turnaround times and customer satisfaction ahead of a potential wider rollout across Gatwick’s parking facilities. If successful, the technology could streamline vehicle storage, lower operational costs and set a precedent for automated parking solutions at major UK transport hubs.