London Gatwick’s expansion plans could significantly enhance UK-China connectivity, driven by a substantial 265% year-on-year rise in passenger volumes between the two nations. The airport welcomed nearly 550,000 passengers traveling to China in 2024, up from 150,000 in 2023. As China remains the UK’s fifth-largest trading partner, accounting for 5.1% of total UK trade in 2024, the expansion could provide a significant boost to the UK economy.
Currently, China’s three largest carriers—Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern—operate 33 weekly services from Gatwick to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Zhengzhou. The planned Northern Runway project, which represents a £2.2 billion investment, could be key to further increasing connectivity, offering more international services, including additional flights to China.
If approved, the Northern Runway plans are expected to create 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion annually in economic benefits. Passenger numbers could grow from 40 million to 75 million by the late 2030s, aligning with the UK government’s growth strategies.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at Gatwick, emphasised the importance of China for the UK economy and highlighted that the expansion would provide greater opportunities for both local communities and the broader economy. He added that the growing demand for services to China signals an ongoing need for enhanced long-haul capacity. This development reflects both the significant trade and tourism potential between the UK and China, positioning Gatwick as a crucial hub for these vital connections.
