Retail and commercial operators will be eyeing improved full-year revenue performances after London Gatwick Airport (LGW) announced it served 32.8 million passengers in 2022.

Following the release of figures released by majority shareholder Vinci Airports, Gatwick confirmed today (13 January) that it has now clawed back 71% of its pre-pandemic (2019) passenger traffic volumes.

Long-haul connectivity continues to strengthen, with LGW connecting 42 global routes – 68% of the number flown pre-pandemic.

British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Air India will all operate flights to new destinations this summer.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick Airport said: “Today’s figures are extremely positive and clearly show London Gatwick’s continued strong recovery.

“We still have some way to go but we’re looking forward to welcoming even more passengers this year, including those flying to our growing choice of long-haul destinations.”

Gatwick Airport served 32.8m passengers in 2022 – a 400% increase on the 6.3m recorded in 2021. The result confirmed its revised forecast issued in H1.

In its interim results published on 23 August 2022, LGW reported a 31.8% decline in retail income (versus 2019) to £62.7m, as total non-aeronautical income fell 19.6% to £149.3m.

At the time, LGW said that the impact of passenger volumes – totalling 13.1m,  a 41% drop versus 2019 – on retail had been offset by an increase in spend and income per pax.

The South Terminal reopened on 27 March almost two years after its closure on 15 June 2020.