London Gatwick Airport reports May-2010 traffic performance summary
A 4.1% decline in traffic year-on-year with further volcanic ash cloud disruption persisting
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:
* Year-on-year traffic declined 4.1% in May 2010 due to the timing of school half terms (falling predominantly in June this year compared to May in 2009), combined with the effects of further ash cloud disruption
* Volcanic ash continued to cause the intermittent closure of airspace on transatlantic and European routes. Airspace closures above London Gatwick were brief and disruption was observed largely at destination airports
* Air transport movements declined 4.2% this month, driven by a combination of the above factors and the capacity rationalisation by airlines
* Air cargo tonnage continues to out perform prior year both on a monthly and twelve month basis.