The boss of Gatwick today pressed the airport’s case for a second runway after revealing a 5.5% rise in passengers handled in June to more than 3.6 million.
Following Gatwick’s highest ever moving annual passenger total in May, the airport achieved a new record of 36.6 million in the 12-month period to June.
European scheduled traffic continued to perform strongly last month, with growth of 11.1% or 213,300 passengers.
New routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam boosted traffic alongside growth to cities including Copenhagen and Rome. Traffic to Copenhagen grew by 15% and traffic to Rome grew by 31%.
The average proportion of business travellers using Gatwick now stands at more than 20% a month.
Foreign-based corporate passengers using Gatwick also continues to increase, making up 8.1% of all departing passengers in June.
Traffic to high growth markets continued to perform well, with increased frequencies to Turkey earlier this summer translating into a 20% year-on-year uplift on traffic to Istanbul in June.
Long-haul routes saw growth of 7.1% or 27,900 passengers, as Gatwick attracted traffic to emerging economies such as Vietnam.
Domestic traffic dropped by 2.3% and European charter business was down by 6.8% to 482,000.
North Atlantic traffic is expected to be boosted from this month following the introduction of new services by Norwegian to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate (pictured) said: “Gatwick continues to successfully compete for business and leisure traffic, increasing passenger numbers and market share at record levels. From July, this will increase even further thanks to the start of US services including New York and Los Angeles with Norwegian Air Shuttle.
“A two-runway Gatwick would ensure a competitive market for the next generation, where all passengers have more choice and the UK is provided with the essential air links it needs to both established and emerging markets.
“Expansion at Gatwick would provide London and the UK with two world class airports, enabling regional and national business to thrive and grow on the global stage. Businesses need certainty and Gatwick is, by far, the most deliverable option for expansion.”