Gatwick Airport has reported a notable 7.7% increase in passenger numbers for the first half of 2024.
- The increase is primarily attributed to a robust recovery in short-haul travel, despite a lag in long-haul flights.
- Revenues surged by 15.3%, reaching £488 million, while pre-tax profits rose by 36% to £136.3 million.
- Overall passenger figures, however, are still 10% below those of 2019, with long-haul travel 30% lower.
- Plans to use the emergency northern runway could significantly boost capacity if governmental approval is obtained.
Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport, has witnessed a 7.7% rise in passenger numbers during the initial half of 2024, largely owing to a strong rebound in short-haul travel. This development comes amid continuing challenges in recovering long-haul passenger figures, which currently trail behind pre-pandemic levels.
Financially, Gatwick experienced a robust first half of the year. Revenues increased by 15.3%, amounting to £488 million, and pre-tax profits soared by 36% to reach £136.3 million. This financial upswing underscores the airport’s effective adaptation to the shifting travel landscape.
Despite the positive growth, Gatwick’s total passenger numbers remain 10% below the high watermarks seen in the first half of 2019. The long-haul segment is notably impacted, with passenger numbers still 30% down from pre-pandemic figures, illustrating ongoing challenges in this sector.
Gatwick’s Chief Executive, Stewart Wingate, highlighted the strategic reallocation of some long-haul slots to short-haul carriers to capitalize on current demand trends. He remains optimistic that, as expansion efforts continue, these slots will revert to long-haul use, particularly from markets like India, China, and other parts of Asia.
Wingate forecasts that short-haul travel will potentially surpass 2019 volumes in the latter half of 2024, marking a significant recovery milestone. Gatwick’s short-haul network handled 16.9 million passengers in H1 2024, just 5.6% shy of pre-pandemic levels.
In a forward-thinking move, Gatwick is awaiting approval to regularize the use of its emergency northern runway. If sanctioned, this initiative could elevate the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 75 million passengers annually by the late 2030s, a stark increase from the 40.9 million travelers recorded last year.
Gatwick demonstrates resilience and adaptability, positioning itself for future growth through strategic expansions and adaptations.
