It has been reported that both Heathrow and Gatwick airports had a record number of passengers in March as they compete for a planned new runway.

Figures show that Heathrow recorded 5.95 million passengers last month which was an increase of 3.4% on the previous year, and Gatwick recorded 3 million passengers which was an increase of 9.2% on the previous year.

The Airports Commission are reviewing airport capacity in the South East so they can make a decision regarding a new runway. They have three proposals in mind which are a third runway at Heathrow, a second runway at Gatwick or lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow.

Chief executive of Gatwick, Stuart Wingate said the airport's latest passenger numbers proved its case for a second runway.

"Already we find ourselves as the world's busiest single runway airport by some margin. Gatwick is approaching being full and Heathrow is full."

He added: "We need to choose a runway solution that is deliverable. Gatwick is the only option that is deliverable."