Gatwick Airport hit with drop in profits but now 'poised for growth'
Gatwick Airport was hit by a drop in profits last year – but is now poised for future growth and economic benefits for West Sussex.
That’s the message going out from airport chief executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit who took over the position from Stewart Wingate in September.
He said: “London Gatwick delivered a strong performance in 2025, continuing to invest and innovate while driving productivity and efficiency across the business.”
And he added: “Looking ahead, the development plans for the Northern Runway detail how we intend to unlock further growth for the airport, our local communities and the national economy.”
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander granted consent in September to bring Gatwick’s existing northern runway into routine use alongside its main runway – and the outcome of a judicial review is now awaited.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, during which all aspects of the Northern Runway project have been scrutinised and carefully considered, the Secretary of State for Transport approved our plans on 21 September 2025.
“The hearing for the judicial review claim against the decision has now concluded. We have participated in the proceedings as an ‘Interested Party’ and now await the outcome.”
The £2.2bn privately financed development is projected to create more than 14,000 jobs and generate £1billion a year in economic benefits for the region.
Meanwhile, figures just out show that the airport increased revenue by 0.2 per cent over the past year but profits were down 2.4 per cent amid a decline in the number of short-haul flights because of ‘temporary aircraft availability issues.’
Passenger numbers were down 1.1 per cent to 42.8 million. The airport reported pre-tax profits of £422.9 million in 2025, down from £456.4 million in 2024.
But it reported particularly strong year-on-year growth in markets to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Far East and South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia. And it secured new airline partnerships including Jet2 which will fly six aircraft serving 29 destinations starting later this month.