Gatwick has announced a continued lag on pre-pandemic passenger figures, revenues and operating profits as the sluggish recovery of long-haul aviation continues to weigh on the airport.
Though the interim figures jumped significantly on those penned in the first half of 2022 – by 41%, 45% and 142% respectively – the airport proved to still be chasing pre-Covid-19 results.
Just 2.6 million long-haul passengers passed through the airport in the six months to June, compared to 15.9 million taking short-haul flights.
Compared to the first six months of 2019, before the pandemic grounded flights, these figures marked a 40% and 11% decline respectively, with overall passengers decreasing from 22.2 million to 18.5 million.
“Recovery for long-haul flights is gradual, reflective of the fact that the UK holiday market recovered faster,” the airport said, with air traffic control disruption having also proved an obstacle over Europe.
Total revenue therefore decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels by 22% to £423.3 million, with operating profit falling 35% to £160.9 million.
easyJet PLC was among those operating from Gatwick to bounce back to 2019 traffic figures though, the airport said, while British Airways contributed 9% of short-haul passengers.
Wizz Air Holdings PLC (AIM:WIZZ) also marked a strong interim period, Gatwick added, reaching the one million passenger milestone and increasing capacity with new aircraft stationed at the airport.
“In the first half of this year, the travel industry has continued to bounce back,” Gatwick said.
“We’ll continue to see new destinations and airlines being introduced throughout the rest of 2023.
“We expect to reach 210 destinations by the end of 2023, including several not previously served from London Gatwick.”
Chief executive Stewart Wingate reiterated the airport’s plans to bring its existing northern runway into routine use meanwhile, which would provide a second means of taking off and landing at the site.
“If approved, our forward-looking and low-impact plan will use the airport’s existing infrastructure to unlock new capacity and improve resilience,” he said.
“Importantly, the plans will secure the long-term future of the airport.”