Gatwick Airport’s cargo tonnage volumes continue to slide, which is in stark contrast to passenger traffic that rises fast again.
In January, the gateway handled 5,231 tonnes of freight, a fall of 9.7 per cent from the 5,796 tonnes in the same month last year.
The moving annual total is even more significant, and cargo has dropped 17.3 per cent in the last 12 months to 72,846 tonnes from 88,087 tonnes.
Cargo tonnage figures could see an increase this year though as 11 new routes start from Gatwick, including to Hong Kong, Lima and San Francisco.
Gatwick chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate continues to push the merits of building a second runway at the gateway, over a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
“With each month of continued growth, Gatwick further demonstrates that it is ready for expansion. The simple facts show that Gatwick’s plan is not just the best but the only deliverable solution to the question of where the UK’s next runway should be built.
“It’s clear now that the barriers facing Heathrow are insurmountable – it’s Gatwick or nothing and it’s time to get on with it,” Wingate explains.
