Introduction to Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is a major international airport located in Crawley, West Sussex, England. It is the second busiest airport in the UK, after Heathrow Airport, and is owned by Global Infrastructure Partners. Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, and handles a large volume of passenger and cargo traffic. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and TUI Airways.
Understanding Flight Traffic at Gatwick
The number of flights at an airport is an important indicator of its size and capacity. Flight traffic refers to the number of flights that take off and land at an airport within a given period of time. Flights can be domestic, international, passenger, or cargo. The volume of flight traffic at an airport is affected by several factors, including airline schedules, passenger demand, weather conditions, and airport capacity.
Monthly Flights at Gatwick: A Brief Overview
Gatwick Airport handles a significant number of flights every month. The airport operates 24/7, with most flights departing and arriving during the daytime. The number of flights at Gatwick can vary significantly from month to month, depending on the time of year and other factors. Understanding the monthly flight traffic at Gatwick is essential for airlines, passengers, and airport authorities to plan their schedules and resources effectively.
The Busiest Month for Flights at Gatwick
The busiest month for flights at Gatwick is typically July, followed by August and December. During these months, the airport experiences a high volume of passenger traffic, with many people traveling for holidays, summer vacations, and Christmas. The number of flights during these months can be more than double the number of flights during the quieter months of the year.
How Many Flights Does Gatwick Handle Per Month?
Gatwick Airport handles an average of around 17,000 flights per month, according to recent statistics. This includes both passenger and cargo flights. The number of flights can vary from month to month, with the highest number of flights occurring during the busiest months of the year. The airport’s capacity for flights is determined by several factors, including runway capacity, air traffic control, and airport infrastructure.
An Overview of Gatwick’s Flight Numbers
Gatwick Airport has seen a steady increase in the number of flights over the past few years. In 2019, the airport handled a total of 283,000 flights, an increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. The majority of flights at Gatwick are operated by low-cost carriers, such as easyJet and Ryanair, followed by scheduled airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates. The airport also handles a significant amount of cargo traffic, with several cargo airlines operating from the airport.
The Airline Carriers Operating at Gatwick
Gatwick Airport is home to several airline carriers, including low-cost carriers, scheduled airlines, and charter airlines. The airport’s largest carrier is easyJet, which operates around 45% of all flights at Gatwick. Other major airlines operating at the airport include British Airways, TUI Airways, and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Gatwick also serves as a base for several cargo airlines, such as DHL Aviation and UPS Airlines.
The Most Popular Destinations for Gatwick Flights
Gatwick Airport serves a wide range of destinations, both domestic and international. The airport’s most popular domestic destinations include Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast, while its most popular international destinations include Malaga, Dublin, and Dubai. The airport also offers flights to several long-haul destinations, such as New York, Toronto, and Hong Kong.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Gatwick’s Flight Traffic
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 had a significant impact on the aviation industry, including Gatwick Airport. The airport saw a sharp decline in passenger traffic and flight numbers, with many airlines canceling or reducing their schedules. In April 2020, the airport saw a decrease of 99% in passenger traffic compared to the same period in the previous year. Gatwick has since taken several measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, including implementing social distancing measures and increasing cleaning procedures.
Gatwick’s Plans for Future Flight Growth
Gatwick Airport has several plans in place to increase its flight traffic and improve its facilities in the coming years. The airport is currently undergoing a £1.1 billion investment program, which includes the expansion of its North Terminal and the construction of a new baggage handling system. The airport also plans to increase its capacity to handle around 60 million passengers per year by 2032. Gatwick aims to attract new airlines and routes to the airport and to continue to support the growth of the aviation industry.
Conclusion: Gatwick’s Position in the Aviation Industry
Gatwick Airport plays a significant role in the UK’s aviation industry, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport’s high volume of flight traffic and its strategic location make it an attractive destination for airlines and passengers alike. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gatwick remains committed to its plans for growth and development, ensuring its continued position as a key player in the aviation industry.
References and Further Reading
- Gatwick Airport website: https://www.gatwickairport.com/
- Civil Aviation Authority statistics: https://www.caa.co.uk/Data-and-analysis/UK-aviation-market/Airports/Datasets/UK-Airport-data/
- BBC News article on Gatwick’s investment plans:
- The Guardian article on Gatwick’s response to COVID-19:
