UK. London Gatwick Airport should reach around two-thirds of 2019 passenger traffic levels in 2022, airport management said today. From just 6.3 million in 2021, passenger numbers are forecast to leap to 30.6 million this year, or 65.7% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the figure should rise to 39.9 million or 85.6% of 2019 volumes.
In announcing annual results for 2021, Gatwick Airport said that “significant increases” in short-haul flying programmes indicate a strong 2022 Summer season. easyJet’s leasing of BA slots gives the airline its largest capacity ever at Gatwick with 120 routes. The return of BA’s short-haul operations will also see 18 aircraft flying 35 short-haul routes. Wizz Air will fly 25 routes and Vueling will serve 16 routes, basing two aircraft at Gatwick.
Gatwick will reopen its South Terminal later this month – on Sunday 27 March – and is running a recruitment campaign to help meet the expected strong demand for air travel this summer and beyond. Gatwick and its partners – airlines, ground handlers, retailers, cafés and bars – have been recruiting for more than 2,000 new posts over recent months.
In 2021, despite changing travel restrictions – and the emergence of the Omicron variant –passenger numbers at Gatwick exceeded 1 million in August, September, October and December. This helped reduce the airport’s annual losses to £370.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2021 compared to a £465.5 million loss in the previous year. EBITDA was a negative £26.3 million.
Revenue reached £192.7 million, down by -11.2% year-on-year and -77.4% on 2019. Net retail income decreased by -19.6% year-on-year to £38.2 million with an increase in income per passenger of +30% to £6.06.
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said: “As it was for many airports, 2021 was a difficult year for Gatwick but, despite constantly changing travel restrictions and the emerging Omicron variant, we managed to end the year strongly and reduced our losses compared to the previous year.
“Today, we find ourselves in a very different position. Major announcements from our airlines about significantly increased flying schedules, and from Government on airport slot regulations and the relaxation of travel restrictions, mean we are now looking forward to a strong Summer. We’re currently focused on reopening our South Terminal to ensure we can meet this expected strong demand and we are looking forward to welcoming back passengers in increasingly larger numbers.
“The rebounding of international connectivity toward pre-pandemic levels will boost job and business opportunities, which is great news for many in our local communities and beyond. However, fully restoring consumer confidence will take time and I urge Government to make 2022 the year when all travel restrictions are removed completely, including the unpopular passenger locator form.”
