Gatwick passenger numbers soar as strikes hit flight punctuality

Gatwick airport reported a net profit of £79m for the first six months of the year, a 56% increase compared with the same period in 2022. Photograph: Richard Higgins/Alamy

Passenger numbers at Gatwick airport soared to 19 million during the first six months of the year, according to its operator, although air traffic control strikes across Europe contributed to an increase in delayed departures and landings.

Demand for travel resulted in 41% more passengers travelling through the airport between January and June compared with 2022 – when Covid restrictions were still in place – Gatwick said as it released half-year results.