Gatwick passenger numbers up 15% in April
Although much of this traffic was due to Easter falling in April this year, Gatwick saw growth across all of its unique mix of airline business models, which include low cost, charter and full service carriers, as well as across all key markets.
Strong growth continued for scheduled European traffic, with new services to key business cities including Paris, Brussels, Strasbourg and Tel Aviv driving an increase of 20.8% or 348,600 passengers on the prior year. This was complemented by routes to high growth markets performing well including Russia and – one of the world’s fastest growing economies – Turkey. Gatwick, which now serves 45 of the top 50 European business destinations, has also seen significant increases in flight frequencies to Amsterdam, Rome and the Scandinavian cities.
Other long haul growth was up by 5.7% or 15,300 passengers thanks to new services to China and Saudi Arabia, as well as the continuing strong performance of Gatwick’s Vietnam routes, all of which boosted passenger numbers to high growth markets in April. Emirates new A380 services also helped to further strengthen Gatwick’s routes to Dubai.
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick said: “The fundamental reason for Gatwick’s significant growth in April is its ability to support a mix of airline models – low cost, charter and full service. No other airport in London can do this.
“From easyJet’s new European business routes, to Thomson’s Dreamliner services and British Airways adding new long haul aircraft here, Gatwick is delivering. All airlines can grow here and that means passengers ultimately enjoy more choice and affordable fares. It’s obvious that Gatwick can best meet the demands of the London aviation market and is best-placed for expansion. Gatwick needs to have a second runway.”
