UK. London Gatwick Airport has today reported its busiest start to a financial year, with passenger numbers up +1.7% to 12.5 million in Q1 (April to June 2019) compared to 2018.
Long-haul growth was +2.2% in the same period, boosted by five new weekly flights to Doha and strong demand on North Atlantic routes.
Passengers to Tampa rose +58%, New York +28% and Orlando +15%. Doha traffic increased 190% as a result of the new schedule, while Buenos Aires was up +58% and Colombo +151%.
Qatar Airways increased flight frequency in June, with the carrier now flying three times daily, up from 16 flights a week.
“I’m proud that even in these already busy Spring/Summer months we have been able to achieve yet further growth,” London Gatwick Airport Chief Executive Officer Stewart Wingate said.
“Right across all airline types, carriers are starting new routes and increasing flight frequencies.
“In the near future, we will publish the final version of Gatwick’s masterplan, outlining potential options for future growth, enabling the airport to make more of the world’s most exciting destinations accessible to more people.”
