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Heathrow and Gatwick airports announce record passenger figures amidst ongoing contest for new runway

London airports Heathrow and Gatwick are both announced record passenger figures amidst their ongoing dual to be chosen as the site for a new runway.

May was a record-breaking month for both airports. 6.34 million passengers passinged through Heathrow, a 1.7% rise on the same month last year, whilst Gatwick handled 3.6 million passengers, a 5.8% increase on its May 2014 figure.

Moreover, Heathrow handled 73.75 million passengers over the last year, a 1.1% increase on the 12 months ending May last year.

Conversely, a total of 38.87 million passengers passed through Gatwick in the 12 months ending May 2015, 6.5% more than for the 12 months ending May 2014.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Chief Executive, said: “Gatwick’s record growth continues to prove that greater competition is working for passengers and businesses.

“With the expansion decision approaching, it is time to write the next chapter in one of the greatest policy success stories of recent years. Choosing airport competition over monopoly is the only answer that is right for the whole of the UK.

“Expanding Gatwick would enhance competition, meaning Gatwick grows, Heathrow improves, and every part of the UK benefits from a stronger network of competing airports providing passengers more choice, higher standards and lower fares.”

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Chief Executive, said: “Heathrow’s new expansion plan is the best value-for-money investment the Government can make to get the economy moving - in fact, it is almost entirely privately funded.

“The growth in passengers and exports to emerging markets shows how only Heathrow expansion will keep Britain at the heart of the global economy.

“The Airports Commission has confirmed it can be delivered responsibly - within carbon and air quality limits and with fewer people impacted by noise than today. Let’s get on with it.”

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