Gatwick airport has been named the world’s top low-cost airport, in a new report published by the Centre for Aviation (CAPA).
The report looked at the international weekly seat capacity for low-cost carriers at airports worldwide, with Gatwick coming out on top with 572,058 seats.
The South London airport beat Barcelona El Prat (549,736) into second place, with London Stansted (511,594) in third, Kuala Lumpur International (491,876) in fourth and Singapore Changi (451,920) in fifth.
Dubai International, Amsterdam Schiphol, Seoul Incheon, London Luton and Dublin were the other airports in the top ten.
Gatwick pointed to the growth of low-cost, long-haul services from the airport as a driver for the figures – Norwegian currently offers ten low-cost, long-haul routes from the Gatwick to the US, with Westjet, Air Transat and Air Canada Rouge also serving the airport.
Commenting on the news Stephen King, head of airlines at Gatwick Airport, said:
“News that Gatwick has become the world’s leading low cost airport shows that competition between airports is working and has allowed our long-haul network to go from strength to strength.
“At this vital time for the country’s economy – it is great to see that the UK has more than just one national asset helping our businesses get goods and services to markets across the globe.”
