Gatwick airport has hit a record number of passengers as it builds its case for a second runway.

The airport, which is the UK’s second busiest, said that 4.8% to almost 36 million in the year to 31st March. It said that the growth was due to airlines such as British Airways and Easyjet adding new routes and aircraft in the past year.

Gatwick is currently in a battle with Heathrow to win permission for a new runway.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick Airport told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Gatwick was the cheapest, and quickest option.

He said: "We think London deserves two world class airports - why settle for just one?"