Record passenger numbers were recorded at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports during July.

Some 6.97 million people used Heathrow Airport last month, up 0.5 per cent on July 2013 and making it the transport hub's busiest-ever month. Its record busiest day was July 27th, when 239,928 people passed through the terminals.

Gatwick reported that 4.1 million passengers used the airport in July - up by six per cent year-on-year and a monthly record.

Both airports used the information to support their cases for increased capacity. "Only Heathrow can deliver daily, direct flights to emerging economies that will help Britain win in the global race for growth," said the airport's chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye.

This claim was disputed by Nick Dunn, chief financial officer at London Gatwick, who claimed a third runway at Heathrow would diminish choice for passengers. 

He added that Gatwick supports reduced fares, competition and two world-class London airports serving the UK.