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Heathrow vs. Gatwick: Airports post record months as October decision looms

Both Heathrow and Gatwick have posted record passenger numbers for August as they both publicly vie for expansion.

The figures, released today, are part of the ongoing battle by both airports ahead of the government’s final decision on South East airport expansion plans which is expected to be announced in October.

At Heathrow, total passenger numbers for August rose by 0.1% year-on-year to 7.34m, marginally edging last years’ record figures.

Meanwhile at Gatwick, the rival South East airport saw numbers jump by a sizeable 5.7% up to 4.8m with growth driven primarily by increased traffic on its North American routes, including a 96% increase on flights to Vancouver in Canadian.

The airport also took aim at the Airports Commission after it said that it had surpassed the 42m annual passengers figure, a total which the commission claimed the West Sussex airport would not reach until 2030 in its wide-ranging review published last year.

In a sign that the grapple to win both public and political approval for a new runway, Gatwick Chief Executive Officer Stewart Wingate did not mince his words when criticising the Airport Commission’s report.

He said: “Our performance proves beyond any doubt that the Airports Commission’s report is fundamentally flawed. Gatwick has had its busiest ever August, long haul routes have gone through the roof and we have just passed the 42 million passenger mark 14 years ahead of when the Airports Commission said we would.

“It is encouraging that the Prime Minister and the newly-established sub-committee will be examining this issue and looking at new evidence as a decision on airport expansion is considered.

“Gatwick is delivering for Britain today and, with a second runway, will continue to deliver the crucial growth we need now more than ever.”

However, Heathrow had its own riposte expounding its internationalist credentials as routes to the Middle East (9.1%), Latin America (5.8%) and East Asia (5.1%) all experiencing robust growth year-on-year, whilst reiterating that 30% of all UK exports outside of the UK went through the airport last year.

The airport also announced on the weekend that planned amendments to its expansion plans could cut costs by £3bn and speed up delivery by 12 months.

Commenting on today’s figures, Heathrow Chief Executive Officer, John Holland-Kaye, said: “We can get exporters, large and small, from all across Britain connected to the growing markets of the world, and it is urgent that we get on with it.That is why we are looking at options to connect Britain to growth quicker and cheaper.”

A decision on which airport is to been given the greenlight for expansion is expected to be made by Theresa May in October amidst rumours over the weekend that ministers may be given a free vote on the issue.