Gatwick spells out post-Covid recovery as profits and passenger numbers rebound
Gary NoakesGatwick airport saw passenger numbers reach near pre-pandemic levels in 2023, helped by several new long-haul routes.
The airport attracted 40.9 million passengers in the calendar year, compared to 32.8 million in 2022, meaning demand was 88% of 2019 levels, rising to 94% in July and October.
Pre-tax profit reached £403.2 million, compared with £263.9 million in 2022. Revenue increased 30.7% to £1 billion, with retail income up 31% to £208 million and car parking contributing almost £133 million.
During 2023, Gatwick saw Air India, Delta, Saudia, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern commence new routes. This summer, 85 long-haul services will fly to Asia each week, including 26 to China.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said 2019 had also seen short-haul operations “above 2019 passenger levels in some instances”, with long-haul reaching over 63% of 2019.
The airport said easyJet traffic had reached 100% of 2019 levels, peaking at 113% in July and remaining above 100% for the remainder of the summer season “despite their decision to reduce their capacity”.
In short-haul, British Airways increased by 77% compared to 2022, while Vueling delivered 37% more passengers in 2023 compared to 2022. Wizz Air’s traffic in 2023 reached 2.6 million passengers, growing by over 40% compared to 2022, using five based aircraft in addition to inbound flying.
Wingate admitted Air Traffic Control outages at the summer peak, caused by staff shortages, did “cause some challenges”, but added a “robust plan” was now in place. The issue contributed to a fall in punctuality in 2023, with only 54.5% of departures on time, a dip from the previous year’s 55.9%.
Gatwick’s redeveloped train station opened in November, with work at the North Terminal now underway in the departure lounge and a 3,250-space car park due for completion in 2024.
A planning application to bring the airport’s spare runway into permanent use is being considered.
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Gary Noakes
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