Gatwick achieves global record 43 million annual passengers

• Gatwick Airport has increased its lead as the world’s most efficient single-runway airport: 43 million passengers travel annually through the airport
• 1 million passengers travelled through the airport in December, +15% on the same month last year
• Long-haul growth +26.8% driving a cargo increase of +13.3%

Gatwick Airport has increased its lead as the world’s most efficient single-runway airport – with 43 million passengers now travelling through the airport each year.

This new annual record came on, 22 December 2016, a month in which the airport achieved 3.1 million passengers, +15% on December last year.

The airport’s booming long-haul services grew by +26.8% continuing to demonstrate that Gatwick can connect Britain to important growth markets when these links have never been more crucial. Indeed, as a result of this increase in long-haul services, Gatwick’s cargo increased +13.3% in metric tonnage. 

Today, at the start of the New Year, Gatwick Airport has released its biggest growing destinations during 2016.

Holiday-makers have been inspired by Prince Harry’s travels with Toronto being the long-haul destination with the biggest passenger increase, 191,124 passengers (+97%) in 2016, versus the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Game of Thrones effect is well and truly established as Belfast International saw the biggest increase in passenger numbers, an increase of 388,486 passengers (+83%), versus 2015.

Destinations with the biggest passenger increase in 2016

In 2017 the airport forecasts that the most popular long-haul destinations will include Barbados, Dubai, Jamaica, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and Vancouver, whilst in short-haul Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Barcelona and Venice will occupy the top spots.

Gatwick Airport, Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Wingate said:

“Three million more passengers are travelling through the airport this year versus the same time last year, with 43 million passengers now 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 80^th 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, in the airport’s busiest-ever December, as we continue to offer the UK Government a credible and deliverable option for runway expansion.”