Gatwick long-haul bonanza

New direct routes to Brazil and Argentina have contributed to a 2.3% year-on-year uplift, equal to more than 107,000 passengers, for long-haul flying at Gatwick, the airport said last week.

Announcing its interim results for the six months to 30 September, the airport said one in five of its passengers was now flying long-haul thanks partly to Norwegian’s new service to Rio de Janeiro and an increase in flights to Buenos Aires.

Combined, the routes led to 101,100 more passengers to South America from Gatwick than the previous year and provided more opportunity for goods to be shipped, leading to 39% year-on-year cargo growth between Gatwick and South America.

Overall, in the six months ended 30 September, 26.6m passengers travelled through Gatwick, an increase of 0.2% 56,803. Revenue was up 5.6% to £541.3m, resulting in EBITDA up 7.9% to £350.6m and a profit after tax of £137m.

The airport now offers more than 60 long-haul routes. As well as strong growth to South America, Gatwick has welcomed new direct routes to Miami, San Francisco, Kuwait City and Mexico this year. The most recent route – to Shanghai with Air China – launched early last month.

www.gatwickairport.com

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