Gatwick has reported a more than 2.5-fold increase in passenger volumes between London’s second largest airport and China.
Speaking after the UK Chancellor visited China last week in a bid to boost trade, the airport says increased connectivity could significantly boost the economy
The airport saw almost 550,000 passengers travelling to China in 2024, up from more than 150,000 in 2023.
China’s three largest carriers already fly from London Gatwick, with 33 services a week to China, with Air China, China Southern and China Eastern flying to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou.
London Gatwick is hoping to gain approval for the regular use of its second back-up runway which is says will further boost international services between China and the UK.
A decision on the privately financed £2.2 billion Northern Runway project is expected next month.
The second runway could be operational by the end of the decade and would create a additional 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in annual economic benefits, claims Gatwick
Jonathan Pollard, the airport’s chief commercial officer, said: “China accounts for 5.1% of total UK trade and is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner in 2024.
“As demonstrated by the Chancellor’s recent visit to China, this market is vitally important to the UK economy in terms of both inbound visitors and trade and we are pleased to offer significant connectivity between the two nations from London Gatwick.
“We have seen huge demand for growth of these routes, from airlines and passengers. If approved, our Northern Runway plans could provide even greater opportunity to support communities the economy and the Government’s wider plans for growth, through enhanced capacity for vital long-haul services.”
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