Gatwick has announced a rise in passenger numbers last month.

Figures released by the airport showed 2.7 million travellers passed through its doors in March, an increase of 5.1 per cent against results achieved during the same period in 2013. Annual totals also jumped by 4.8 per cent.

European routes proved to be extremely popular, as passenger numbers rose by 6.1 per cent against the previous year. A total of 1.8 million holidaymakers flew to destinations on the continent, with locations such as Spain, and Portugal experiencing a rise in visitors.

Chief executive Stewart Wingate commented: "These successes only add to the obvious case for expansion at Gatwick. A new runway could be delivered at Gatwick more cost effectively than at Heathrow, with significantly less environmental impact."

However, the airport revealed air travel to the US dropped by 21.7 per cent in March, compared to the year before. This was mainly due to US Airways ceasing to fly from the transport hub during 2013. Bosses stated this should be rectified with the recent addition of Norwegian Air Shuttle routes to America.