Cargo falls at Gatwick in 2015 by 17.3%

Gatwick Airport’s cargo volumes fell by a substantial 17.3 per cent in 2015, compared to the previous 12 months.

The gateway handled 73,411 tonnes, which was a significant decline on the 88,737 tonnes that Gatwick handled in 2014.

December continued the monthly trend last year of significant falls and cargo volumes fell by 11.4 per cent to 6,508 tonnes, down on 7,344 tonnes in December 2014.

The cargo tonnage decline comes as the passenger side of the business grew by 5.6 per cent last year to more than 40 million, as new bellyhold routes were added by the likes of Norwegian and other carriers.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate believes the gateway is the best option for another runway. “A government decision this year backing Gatwick expansion will mean that Britain finally solves its long standing problem of airport capacity in the South East. Our plan is legal, affordable, cleaner and quieter and will deliver for Britain.”

The UK government will make a decision in the summer whether Heathrow Airport’s is given the go ahead for a third runway, or Gatwick should get a second runway.

The Airports Commission recommended in July last year, that Heathrow should be expanded as it provided better connectivity, will boost the economy more than Gatwick and Heathrow’s cargo capabilities are stronger.