More than 2.7 million passengers passed through Gatwick during April.

The total, which was boosted by the late Easter holidays, was 12.5 per cent up on last year.

Passenger numbers on routes to Ireland rose by 47.1 per cent and more than a million people flew on European scheduled services.

Paula Bell, BAA Gatwick's finance director, said: "Gatwick's continued strong performance is great news for passengers who are enjoying travelling to a wide range of destinations and for our airline partners."

During the summer, Virgin Atlantic will launch new services from Gatwick to Jamaica and easyJet will start flying to Marrakech in Morocco.

Increased demand for trips to Europe ensured airports operator BAA delivered another rise in passenger numbers during April.

Thursday, May 11, 2006