Gatwick Airport’s cargo figures saw a 15.9 per cent recovery between April 2016 and March 2017 as it celebrates record passenger volumes.

The airport located South of London handled 81,138 tonnes on a moving annual total, up from 70,003 tonnes in the previous year, but this is down from the April 2014 to March 2015, when it handled 88,399 tonnes.

Passenger volumes grew 7.8 per cent to 43.9 million, a record for a single runway airport, helped by long-haul growth, which is also pushing up the cargo volumes.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate says: “We launched 20 new long haul routes last year alone and even more will start this summer, including to Seattle, Denver and Xi’an – our third destination in China – with our Hong Kong service also going daily.”

“This long haul growth is also driving up the amount of cargo flown out from Gatwick.  We’ve seen a 34% increase in cargo this month alone, which is important as the UK readjusts and focuses attention on global destinations further afield.”

He says it is vital Gatwick receives approval for a second runway, explaining: “At this crucial time for the country and the economy, Gatwick continues to stand ready and offers the UK Government a credible and deliverable option for runway expansion.”