Gatwick takes 'significant' passenger hit from Iran war

Gatwick reported a “significant” decline in passenger numbers attributed to the Iran war, as airlines cancelled flights to the region and holidaymakers avoided destinations such as Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. In the six months to June, overall passenger throughput fell 4.7% to 19.1 million, pulling down pre-tax profit by 18% to £137 million. Gatwick said services to the Middle East were a small part of its business but were hit at significant levels, and recovery is only “progressive.” The airport also pointed to higher jet-fuel and operating costs despite most carriers’ hedging, while noting there has been no jet fuel shortage. It added that the airport is seeing “broadly encouraging” momentum thanks to the launch of seven new carriers, and that 75% of flights departed on time, with security throughput in under five minutes easing from 98.1% to 96.8%.