Gatwick has been named as the world’s top international low cost airport, according to a report published by the Centre for Aviation (CAPA).
The study highlights Norwegian’s low cost long haul services to North America and the Far East as particularly significant in Gatwick’s growth, with the airline’s new service to Singapore showcased as the longest low cost route in the world.
Norwegian currently runs 11 low cost long haul services from Gatwick, with new routes also due to start in September to Denver and Seattle, in addition to other routes including New York, Los Angeles, Oakland, Boston, and Orlando.
Other low cost long haul carriers from Gatwick include WestJet, Air Transat and Air Canada Rouge which fly to cities across Canada.
Gatwick currently serves more than 50 long haul destinations, flown by both full service, charter and low cost carriers.
Gatwick tops the low cost airport table above Barcelona El Prat airport and Stansted, with Luton in ninth place ahead of Dublin airport.
The airport’s head of airlines, Stephen King, said: “News that Gatwick has become the world’s leading low cost airport shows that competition between airports is working and has allowed our long haul network to go from strength to strength.
“At this vital time for the country’s economy – it is great to see that the UK has more than just one national asset helping our businesses get goods and services to markets across the globe.”