Gatwick airport has warned it is just a few years away from hitting full capacity after recording its busiest six months in its history.
According to Gatwick's half-year results published today, around 22.5 million passengers passed through the airport in the past six months, an increase of 8 per cent.
Turnover is also up by 8.6 per cent to £391.6 million and there was strong growth across its business travel sector, with one in five passengers now travelling through Gatwick on business.
Despite the positive results the airport's CEO Stewart Wingate said the strong growth in recent years means capacity will soon be full unless it's allowed to expand.
“Gatwick’s record-breaking year is testament to the significant investment made in improving the airport for passengers, and the benefits of greater competition in the London market," said Wingate.
“Nearly five years of independent ownership have seen growth of five million more passengers and we are attracting new routes across the board - from low cost carriers and European business travel, to long haul providers and emerging markets.
“There is huge momentum behind the airport, both in passenger growth and the increasing recognition that Gatwick is the most credible, deliverable choice for the UK’s next runway. But time is not on our side. Gatwick’s success and continued rate of growth means we are now unable to meet demand across much of the year and are just a few years away from hitting full capacity, ahead of earlier forecasts.
“The capacity crunch facing Gatwick underlines the urgent need for a new runway. This time next year we will know which airport is chosen for expansion," he said.
Earlier this month, IAG CEO Willie Walsh ruled out supporting a second runway at Gatwick airport as he argued there isn’t a business case to support