Long-haul routes continue to push airfreight volumes up at Gatwick Airport, with year-on-year growth of 25.6 per cent in November.

The airport located to the south of London handled 10,175 tonnes in November 2017 compared to 8,099 tonnes the previous year, having established long-haul routes to markets including Asia, with destinations including Hong Kong and Tianjin.

On a rolling 12-month basis from December 2016, cargo volumes are up 22.6 per cent to 94,571 tonnes.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate says: “This year five new long-haul connections have started, Singapore, Seattle, Denver, Kigali and Taipei, further strengthening Gatwick’s global connectivity.”

“Connectivity which is set to further increase 2018 with new connections to Austin, Chicago and Buenos Aires beginning in just the first quarter alone.”

He says this further strengthens the case for a second runway at Gatwick, saying: “For both our local region and the whole country Gatwick is set to play an increased global role for as we grow.”

“We’re ready and prepared to build our financeable and deliverable second runway scheme so that Britain can reap the benefits of greater global connectivity faster.”