Tonnage at London’s Gatwick Airport continues to climb and it grew six per cent in February reaching 5,965 tonnes for the month as new long-haul routes drive growth.

This was up on the 5,628 tonnes that was achieved in the same month last year as the gateway’s volumes are boosted by better connectivity.

On a rolling 12-month basis, Gatwick Airport has handled 79,136 tonnes, a 9.8 per cent increase on the 72,063 tonnes recorded in the previous 12 month period.

The airport says the new long-haul routes and increasing cargo figures demonstrate “Gatwick’s key role connecting Britain to important growth markets when these links have never been more crucial”.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer, Stewart Wingate says: “In the next three weeks alone British Airways start their new route to Oakland, San Francisco and Virgin Atlantic to Varadero, Cuba. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific’s existing route to Hong Kong will be going daily this summer.

“Our long-haul growth is driving the natural corresponding cargo increase, this month +6.0 per cent, which is joined by strong growth in Gatwick’s regional connections across Britain, demonstrating Gatwick’s vital economic role both within Britain and internationally, as we continue to offer the UK Government a credible and deliverable option for runway expansion.”