Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
13 March 2017 07:49
Traffic to Los Angeles was up 90% compared with February 2016
Gatwick Airport is insisting it is still a "credible and deliverable" expansion option, as the airport experienced its busiest ever February.
Figures show passenger growth for February almost hit double digits, rising 9.9% last month compared with the same month a year earlier.
Gatwick bosses maintain that the south east airport continues to offer a strong alternative for runway expansion, despite a Government statement confirming Heathrow is the "preferred option".
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "Gatwick's February passenger figures demonstrate the confidence we are witnessing from our passengers, with travel still high priority following the Brexit referendum."
He continued: "Our long-haul growth is driving the natural corresponding cargo increase, this month plus 6%, which is joined by strong growth in Gatwick's regional connections across Britain, demonstrating Gatwick's vital economic role both within Britain and internationally, as we continue to offer the UK Government a credible and deliverable option for runway expansion."
Strong long-haul growth
Some three million travellers passed through the airport last month, and the number of long-haul passengers increased by 20.3%.
Routes to Los Angeles are up 90% compared with the same month last year.
West Coast figures are set to further increase this year as British Airways adds a new route to Oakland, California.
Anyone planning a long-haul trip should take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Winter sports on top
Ski resorts are also a favourite among Gatwick passengers, with Geneva coming top as the airport's most popular destination.
Some 109,500 travellers headed out to the luxurious Swiss destination last month, up 5% on February 2016.
Meanwhile, passengers from Gatwick to Innsbruck in Austria surged 9% and there has been an 8% rise in travellers to Grenoble in France.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.