Gatwick Airport has surpassed the 45 million passengers mark this year, with its busiest-ever June in which it welcomed 4.4 million travelers alone – a 5.6% increase on the same month last year. June also saw a long-haul growth of 11.8%, which had a knock-on effect on the airport’s cargo figures – it handled 20.6% more month-on-month.
During June, North Atlantic routes grew 10.6% with Californian destinations proving particularly popular, with San Francisco up 227% and Los Angeles up 51% compared with last year. Transatlantic flights are expected to continue growing, with new Norwegian Air Shuttle routes to Seattle, Washington; Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Chicago, Illinois recently announced.
Stewart Wingate, CEO at Gatwick Airport, said, “Gatwick continues to demonstrate its vital role in bringing Britain and the world closer together as more and more destinations right across the globe are added to the range of long-haul services we offer.
“We’re gearing up for our busiest summer yet, with once again lots of new things in store for our passengers, as we welcome Jamie Oliver bringing his new restaurant The Diner to the airport. Five years ago, Jamie Oliver chose Gatwick to be his first airport restaurant and we’re delighted Gatwick is his destination of choice to yet again bring a new concept to.”