Gatwick reins in its hopes

The shaky economy caused Gatwick Airport to today trim its forecast for passenger numbers over the next decade.

London's second airport had previously expected to handle 40 million fliers per year by 2017, but today admitted it is unlikely to reach that figure until 2020.

"The rate of growth in traffic is lower than previously disclosed, reflecting current economic conditions and outlook," the airport reported. But it still said Gatwick could handle around 45 million passengers on one runway with two terminals by 2030.

In September, Gatwick, owned by US fund Global Infrastructure Partners, said passenger traffic was up by 4.9%, helped by growth on European routes by low-cost airlines.

That is far higher than at Heathrow, where owner BAA said the number of fliers in the month grew just 1.4%.