South Kent International Airport

Description
South Kent International Airport station is an underground four-platform station on The Medway Vale Line. It is located between Orsett and Crowton Bypass stations. The station is electrified with the 750V 3rd rail.

The station is served by Southeastern services from Brackwell Common to Freyview, and the Airport Express service from London Charing Cross terminates here.

There is a balloon loop from the Arrival platform 1 back around to the Departure platform 2. This allows Airport Express trains to turn around without blocking access to the mainline, and simplifies the operation of the platforms at the station. There are 2 sidings at the western end of the station where trains can be stabled when they are not in use.

History
The station was opened in 1988 when South Kent Airport was expanded with a new runway capable of landing Boeing 747 aircraft, allowing it to become an international airport rather than a small regional airport. The first overseas flights were operated by Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. The airport has since become a major transport hub in the South Kent area, with many bus and coach routes also serving the airport.

In 2001, the Airport Express was introduced. To cater for the new service, run by then brand-new Class 375 EMUs, a balloon loop was installed at the end of the island platform, allowing trains to easily turn around.

The station was rebuilt in 2010 with four platforms instead of two, allowing the Airport Express longer turnaround times and more capacity. This work also included relaying the platforms, resignalling with brand new LED signals and replacing walls and ceilings in the station.

Monday to Saturday
2tph to Freyview

2tph to Brackwell Common, of which, 1 doesn't stop at Pegwell Halt

2tph to London Charing Cross, calling only at Nydalen Bridge en route.

Sunday
1tph to Freyview

1tph to Brackwell Common, not stopping at Orsett and Pegwell Halt.

1tp2h to Castlepoint, Calling at all stations.

2tph to London Charing Cross, calling only at Nydalen Bridge en route.

Every night, between 23:30 and 04:45, the Airport Express runs ever 90 minutes in 4 car formations and calling at more stops intermediate (Nydalen Bridge, Nydalen & Imblesbrook, Clerkville Central & London Bridge) to provide connections with late night flying passengers.