Gatwick argues record number of travellers warrant new runway

London Gatwick Airport has claimed that the record number of passengers who have flown through their doors in the past year supports its case to receive a new runway over rival airport Heathrow.

In the year to 31^st March 2015, 2.8 million more passengers used the airport than in the year before with the total number at passengers at 38.7 million; making 2014/2015 its busiest year.

This almost matches the total annual capacity of the airport – 40 million passengers – and represents a massive 7.8% increase on the year before.

Annual turnover also increased by 7.5%, to £638 million, while pre-tax profits reached £83.8 million.

Breaking world records

As well as the overall increase in passengers and turnover, the 12-month period also saw a world record set as 906 air traffic movements occurred in just one day.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive at Gatwick, said these results highlight why the airport is the ideal location for a new runway as it has moved ahead of predictions made by the Department of Transport with regards to passenger numbers.

He claimed it was guaranteed to be delivered cheaper and quicker than if built at London Heathrow and added that the growth in passenger numbers provided a strong case for its success:

“Gatwick expansion will deliver more passengers to more destinations and provide the economic boost the UK needs at a fraction of the environmental impact of Heathrow.”

Mr Wingate went on to explain that the airport has continued to see a huge response to newly added Norwegian long-haul flights to the USA with increased popularity boosting travel figures.

As a result, he expects more increases of this kind to occur next year when the airport will have added low cost long-haul flight to Canada via Westjet to its services.

If you’re thinking of travelling abroad via Gatwick this year then remember to book European travel insurance in advance

Date Created: 26/06/2015