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London Gatwick Airport Apr-2010 traffic performance summary

Direct News Source

Passenger numbers decline as volcanic ash clouds cause airspace closures across UK airports

Note: Origins and destinations are classified according to ultimate origin or destination of aircraft in the case of multi-sector flights.

Note: Figures for the market sectors have been rounded. Totals as per traffic summary.

Key points:

* After strong year on year growth in recent months, London Gatwick Airport's traffic recorded a 20.2% decline in April as volcanic ash caused the closure of airspace following the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland

* Airspace closures affecting London Gatwick began at 12:00 on 15 April and ended at 21:00 on 20 April, resulting in no air transport movements for four consecutive days and significantly impacting the 15, 20 and 21 April

* The passenger loss resulting from airspace closures is estimated to be in the region of 586,000, representing over a fifth (22.2%) of London Gatwick's expected traffic for April 2010.

* Despite the disruption, air cargo tonnage grew for a sixth consecutive month. This drove positive growth on a moving annual basis for the first time since September 2006

* In April, London Gatwick played host to in excess of 4,000 fans travelling to and from games in the final stages of the Europa and Champions League football competitions. The Fulham and Arsenal teams also travelled through the airport. Football charters are expected to continue into May.