London Gatwick has boosted its chances of winning the bid for a second runway after announcing record growth and increasing its share of traffic in the London airport market.
According to its financial results for the year ending March 31, passenger numbers reached 35.9 million, an increase of 4.8 per cent from the previous year.
The UK’s second largest airport also reported an operating profit of £147 million, compared with £116.4 million a year earlier.
Gatwick is currently competing with Heathrow to build a new runway, with the Airports Commission due to make a recommendation on which airport should be expanded next summer.
Gatwick airport’s CEO Stewart Wingate said the “record-breaking” figures show that Gatwick is “best-placed to deliver the UK’s next new runway”.
“Expansion at Gatwick would ensure London can effectively compete with its European neighbours and provide essential air links that the UK needs to both established and emerging markets,” said Wingate.
He added: “A two runway Gatwick would provide London and the UK with two world class airports and enable businesses to thrive and the economy to grow.
“It is, without a doubt, the obvious solution to creating the best future outcome for airlines, passengers and UK Plc, enabling more people to fly each year to the widest range of short and long haul destinations on more competitively priced fares.”
Earlier this month Gatwick’s largest carrier Easyjet dropped its biggest hint yet that it’s considering a move to Heathrow.