Gatwick passenger demand hit 88% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels last year despite “regrettable” air traffic control disruption at the end of the summer peak.
Air traffic restrictions were imposed last September due to a staff shortfall at the control tower operated by provider Nats.
Gatwick handled almost 41 million passengers, up by a quarter or 8.1 million on 2022 volumes, according to annual results released today.
Passenger numbers continued to grow in peak periods, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels in July and October, but remained lower outside of the peak. This was due to travel still not returning to 2019 levels for some business and discretionary leisure flights, according to the airport’s annual report.
Gatwick acknowledged that it was “regrettable that disruption did occur in the airport’s control tower towards the end of the 2023 summer season.
“The airport took a strong leadership position and facilitated closer collaboration between airport partners to provide more reliable timetables for passengers.
“Air traffic control provider, Nats, has since provided assurances and implemented significant changes to ensure reliable schedules in 2024.”
Next generation security screening equipment currently being installed across both terminals is due to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025.
The UK’s second largest airport saw annual revenue rise by 30.7% year-on-year to surpass £1 billion, with net profit up by almost 70% to £314.8 million.
“In particular, a string of new airlines and services to new destinations at the start of a busy summer season contributed to the increase in traffic,” Gatwick reported.
The airport’ network covers 220 destinations served by 56 airlines. This includes 169 short-haul destinations across Europe and 51 long-haul routes.
New long-haul airlines flying from the airport last year included Air India, Delta Air Lines, Saudia, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern.
This summer, 85 long-haul services will fly to Asia each week, including 26 to China.
A planning application to bring a second runway into routine use is currently being scrutinised by a panel of independent inspectors.
Bringing the northern runway into routine use would help Gatwick meet future passenger demand by serving around 75 million passengers a year by the late 2030s.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “An overall successful year saw our airport’s short-haul operations grow above 2019 passenger levels in some instances, with our long-haul network hitting over 63%. We also achieved 99% of our agreed service measures this year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our frontline colleagues.
“ATC staffing issues in our control tower did, however, cause some challenges at the end of the summer.
“By taking a strong leadership position and facilitating intensive dialogue with Nats, they have assured us that a robust plan is in place that will provide passengers with reliable flight schedules in 2024.”
He added: “The airport’s ongoing recovery was boosted by collaborative work with our airlines and partners.
“Combined, our strong performing airline, retail and other revenue streams means we can once again invest in substantial airport improvements.
“Passengers will already have seen our fully redeveloped train station, new shops, bars and restaurants, and more exciting developments will complete over coming months and years.
“Longer term, our northern runway plans are at a critical stage in the process and we will continue putting forward our strong case.
“Ensuring that all growth is achieved sustainably is of course an ongoing priority and we will keep demonstrating and evolving our commitment to reduce our environmental impacts, contribute positively to local communities and help the economy to thrive.”