Gatwick's new owner finds growth stalling

Gatwick airport failed to enjoy as much growth as its London rival Heathrow last month, new owner GIP admitted today.

London's second-biggest airport, which BAA was forced to sell in October 2009, saw its passenger numbers rise only 1.4% to 2.4 million in March, almost half the growth seen at Heathrow.

In the 12 months to April, Gatwick flew 800,000 fewer passengers than the previous year. It blamed that fall on disruption following the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, plus the impact of European air traffic control strikes and snow.

Gatwick claimed it would benefit from a boost next month, as the Easter holiday period is later this year.