London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has announced it has handled 46 million passengers in the last 12 months.

A healthy rise in long-haul destinations has spurred passenger levels in this group by 21.3% in the past year alone, as the airport reports its highest-ever customer satisfaction levels.

Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “We are delighted to have welcomed 46 million passengers to Gatwick in the last year which is testament to the hard work and innovation of all staff working at the airport.”

CHINA ROUTES GROW

New routes to Taipei, Buenos Aires and Doha have opened in the last year, with a new connection to Shanghai beginning in December.

A 12-week public consultation on Gatwick’s recently published draft masterplan is underway as the airport sets out its expansion vision into the 2030s.

The consultation deadline is set at 17:00pm on 10 January 2019.

“In response to passenger demand for Gatwick’s global connectivity, we have published the airport’s draft master plan, setting out our vision for growth to the 2030s,” added Wingate.

“We are now seeking feedback from the public, including our local neighbours and our airport partners on this draft master plan, as we seek to fulfil our role for the country, in the most sustainable way.”

LGW reported a rise in retail revenue of +8.9% to £177.3m ($233m) for the 12 months ending 31 March. Duty and tax free revenue grew by 6.4% to £53.5m.