UK. London Gatwick Airport reported retail income of £207.7 million (US$262 million) in 2023, a leap of +30.9% year-on-year, outstripping passenger traffic growth of +24.7%. Car parking income rose +30.7% to £132.8 million (US$167.5 million).
Net retail income per passenger rose by +5% year-on-year to £4.99 (US$6.30) with a strong performance in duty free and food & beverage, said the airport company. It also cited the introduction of more choice and new brands in the commercial offer including The Breakfast Club, Greggs, Krispy Kreme and BrewDog.
Total revenue climbed +30.7% year-on-year to reach £1,015.1 million (US$1,280 million), driven by the recovery in passenger numbers.
Gatwick Airport served 40.9 million passengers in the year, up by +24.7% on 2022 as noted above, with the figures reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels for the year. Recovery peaked at 94% of 2019 levels in July and October.
For 2024, Gatwick management is forecasting 43.7 million passengers, up by +6.8% compared to 2023.
Profits for the year rose +69.9% to £314.8 million (US$397 million) with EBITDA at £617.7 million (US$779 million, +38.4%).
London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “Combined, our strong performing airline, retail and other revenue streams means we can once again invest in substantial airport improvements. Passengers will already have seen our fully redeveloped train station, new shops, bars and restaurants, and more exciting developments will complete over coming months and years.”
In 2024 Gatwick will offer over 50 long-haul destinations, including 85 weekly flights to Asia, 26 of these to China. ✈
