According to the latest passenger figures, Gatwick Airport is experiencing one of its “busiest summers yet”.

In the first half of 2024, 19.9 million passengers traveled through the two terminals, 7.7% more than in the same period in 2023.

West Sussex Airport hopes to double its capacity by using the existing northern runway.

Stewart Wingate, the airport’s CEO, said the “strong start” was thanks to “robust planning” and had provided passengers with a “reliable and enjoyable experience.”

Mr Wingate said: “I am pleased that we have once again achieved a good level of service, as demonstrated by 100% delivery of our service targets.”

The service measures include, among others, the availability of seats in departure halls, waiting times at security checks and baggage delivery times.

The airport reported half-year revenue of £488 million, an increase of 15.3% on the previous year.

Underlying profit rose 13.9% year-on-year to £268 million, with net profit for the period up 33.8% to £106 million.

If Gatwick’s planning application is approved, to transfer the existing emergency runway north into routine operation could be used regularly until the end of 2029.

Mr Wingate added: “Our northern runway project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth in line with our sustainability strategy for a decade of change and government policy.”

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