Gatwick Airport has experienced a double-digit fall in cargo volumes in March, falling by 26.1 per cent to 5,832 tonnes.

The March figures continue the downward trend seen this year, with January seeing volumes fall by almost 10 per cent and February saw a double-digit drop.

Despite cargo volumes continuing to plummet, Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate says the hub should receive a second runway. “Government backing for Gatwick expansion this year will mean that the UK finally and definitively has a solution to its long enduring aviation capacity issue. Our plan is legal, affordable, cleaner and quieter and will finally deliver for Britain.”

Wingate is optimistic about 2016 with new routes to destinations including Hong Kong, Cape Town, Vancouver, Lima and Costa Rica. He says Norwegian will significantly increase Dreamliner services if Gatwick gets approval for a second runway.