Press Release

London Gatwick Airport

April 2010 traffic performance summary

 
11 May 2010

Passenger numbers decline as volcanic ash clouds cause airspace closures across UK airports

 

Apr 10

Apr 09

Growth (%)

May 09 - Apr 10

May 08 - Apr 09

Growth (%)
Total terminal passengers (000s)

2,056.5

2,577.5

-20.2%

31,875.7

33,026.4

-3.5%
Market comparison:            
UK + Channel Islands

234.2

301.3

-22.3%

3,597.1

3,622.8

-0.7%
Ireland

79.8

121.1

-34.1%

1,350.8

1,431.3

-5.6%
European scheduled

994.3

1,246.6

-20.2%

15,326.9

14,525.9

5.5%
European charter

236.4

315.2

-25.0%

5,026.6

6,097.6

-17.6%
North Atlantic

141.8

196.7

-27.9%

2,026.2

2,811.5

-27.9%
Other long haul

370.0

396.6

-6.7%

4,458.1

4,537.3

0.2%
Air transport movements

15,886

19,592

-18.9%

240,767

249,439

-3.5%
Cargo (metric tonnes)

7,961

5,297

50.3%

84,146

83,427

0.9%

Note: Origins and destinations are classified according to ultimate origin or destination of aircraft in the case of multi-sector flights.
Note: Figures for the market sectors have been rounded. Totals as per traffic summary.

Key points:

  • After strong year on year growth in recent months, London Gatwick Airport’s traffic recorded a 20.2% decline in April as volcanic ash caused the closure of airspace following the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland
  • Airspace closures affecting London Gatwick began at 12:00 on 15 April and ended at 21:00 on 20 April, resulting in no air transport movements for four consecutive days and significantly impacting the 15, 20 and 21 April
  • The passenger loss resulting from airspace closures is estimated to be in the region of 586,000, representing over a fifth (22.2%) of London Gatwick’s expected traffic for April 2010.
  • Despite the disruption, air cargo tonnage grew for a sixth consecutive month. This drove positive growth on a moving annual basis for the first time since September 2006
  • In April, London Gatwick played host to in excess of 4,000 fans travelling to and from games in the final stages of the Europa and Champions League football competitions. The Fulham and Arsenal teams also travelled through the airport. Football charters are expected to continue into May. 

For further information, please contact:

Gatwick Press Office

Tel: +44 (0)1293 505000

Fax: +44(0)1293 503794

 


 

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