The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) has invested £50 million into London Gatwick Airport, marking a major move by the country’s sovereign wealth fund to expand its European infrastructure portfolio.
Strategic investment in a key uk gateway
SOFAZ confirmed that the £50m investment forms part of its partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), now majority-owned by BlackRock, and will contribute towards Gatwick’s ongoing development and expansion.
In a statement, the fund described the transaction as a “landmark deal” that supports its long-term strategy to diversify beyond oil and gas into stable, income-generating assets in major global markets.
Gatwick’s growth plans attract global capital
Gatwick Airport — the UK’s second-busiest airport — has seen a wave of investor confidence following the government’s recent approval for its Northern Runway project, designed to increase flight capacity by up to 100,000 extra flights per year.
The new funding is expected to bolster Gatwick’s growth plans, improve infrastructure, and enhance passenger experience amid fierce competition with Heathrow, Stansted and Luton.
Part of a broader diversification push
For SOFAZ, the Gatwick deal is part of a wider effort to channel oil revenues into infrastructure, logistics, and energy transition projects worldwide.
The fund, which manages more than $50 billion in assets, already holds stakes in London property, energy infrastructure, and European transport hubs.
A spokesperson for SOFAZ said:
“Investing in London Gatwick represents a strategic step in building a resilient and diversified portfolio that supports sustainable economic returns for future generations.”
Growing international interest in UK airports
This latest deal highlights the continuing global investor appetite for UK airports, despite broader economic uncertainty. Experts suggest such investments could help accelerate modernisation and expansion across the UK’s aviation network.
Sources:
- Reuters – Azerbaijan’s sovereign wealth fund SOFAZ invests $66m in London’s Gatwick Airport
- The Times – Azerbaijan’s oil fund lands £50m on Gatwick Airport
- SOFAZ official press release
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