Gatwick Airport has experienced a noteworthy increase in its passenger numbers, driven by a significant rise in short-haul travel demand. The airport, however, faces challenges in long-haul recovery, which continues to lag behind pre-pandemic figures. Despite these hurdles, Gatwick remains optimistic about future growth, with plans for expansion and strategic network developments.
- In the first half of 2024, Gatwick Airport reported a 7.7% increase in passenger numbers, primarily due to the resurgence of short-haul travel.
- Despite this growth, overall passenger numbers at Gatwick are still 10% below the levels of the first half of 2019, mainly due to the decline in long-haul travel, which is down by 30%.
- The airport’s revenues rose by 15.3% to £488 million, and pre-tax profits increased by 36%, showcasing its financial resilience.
- Gatwick anticipates surpassing pre-pandemic short-haul passenger numbers by the year’s end, as it awaits approval for its northern runway expansion to handle 75 million passengers annually by the late 2030s.
Gatwick Airport has experienced a substantial 7.7% growth in passenger numbers in the first half of 2024, driven by a robust recovery in short-haul travel demand. This increase signifies the airport’s resilience and adaptability amidst evolving travel patterns as the world emerges from the pandemic’s constraints.
Despite these gains, long-haul travel remains a challenge, with numbers still 30% below pre-pandemic levels. The overall passenger count is likewise 10% short of the figures recorded in the first half of 2019. Gatwick’s long-haul capacity has been temporarily reallocated to meet the burgeoning short-haul demand, a strategic move noted by Stewart Wingate, the airport’s Chief Executive.
Financial performance at Gatwick has been strong, with revenues escalating by 15.3% to £488 million and pre-tax profits increasing by 36% to £136.3 million. These figures highlight the airport’s capability to navigate through the fluctuating challenges of global aviation markets.
Wingate has expressed confidence that the reallocation of long-haul slots to short-haul carriers is a temporary measure and plans for these to revert as the airport expands its international network. Notably, strengthening ties with airlines from India, China, and other Asian regions remains a focal point of Gatwick’s strategic ambitions.
Gatwick’s short-haul network accounted for 16.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, just 5.6% shy of pre-pandemic numbers. This solid performance is a testament to travelers’ increasing preference for regional and nearby destinations. The airport is optimistic that short-haul passenger volumes will exceed 2019 levels in the latter half of the year.
Looking toward future growth, Gatwick awaits government approval to regularly utilize its emergency northern runway, a pivotal element of its £2.2 billion expansion plan. If approved, this would significantly enhance Gatwick’s capacity, potentially enabling it to serve up to 75 million passengers annually by the late 2030s.
Gatwick Airport’s strategic focus on short-haul demand and expansion plans positions it well for sustained growth.
