London Gatwick has set a record for the number of annual passengers passing through the airport. For 2016 it reached 43 million, securing its position as the world’s most efficient single-runway airport. An extra 3.1 million passengers passed through Gatwick in December – up 15% on the previous year.
The airport’s long-haul services grew by 26.8% in 2016, with cargo rising 13.3%. Gatwick has also released a list of its destinations with the biggest increases in passenger numbers. Toronto came top of the long-haul routes, rising 97%, the equivalent of 191,124 travelers, during 2016; Belfast was the leader for domestic flights, up 83%, or 388,486 people, over 2015.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport, said, “There are now 43 million passengers passing through the airport annually – a figure that puts us 14 years ahead of industry predictions. This milestone is an impressive conclusion to 2016, the year that saw the 80th anniversary of the very first flight from Gatwick.
“Gatwick’s booming long-haul services and increased cargo volumes illustrate the vital contribution the airport continues to make to the local and national economy, as we continue to offer the UK Government a credible and deliverable option for runway expansion.”
Written by Chris Anderson