London Gatwick’s expansion plans could be a boon for UK-China connectivity as demand continues to grow.
It could significantly boost the economy with an almost 265% year-on-year rise in passenger volumes between Gatwick and China.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “China accounts for 5.1% of total UK trade and is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner in 2024. This market is vitally important to the UK economy.”
“We have seen huge demand for growth of these routes. If approved, our Northern Runway plans could provide even greater opportunity to support communities the economy and the Government’s wider plans for growth.”
London Gatwick saw almost 550,000 passengers travelling to China in 2024, up from more than 150,000 in 2023.
China’s three largest carriers already fly from London Gatwick, with 33 services a week to China, with Air China, China Southern and China Eastern flying to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou.
If plans to bring its Northern Runway, currently a backup, into routine use are approved by the Government next month, it will allow for even more international services, including from China.
The Northern Runway project represents a £2.2 billion investment which could be operational by the end of the decade.
The airport says it will create a further 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion in economic benefits every year.
