Heathrow operating near capacity, will have trouble keeping up with world markets

Heathrow is operating almost at capacity in terms of seat capacity and frequency of flights – between 2009 and 2013 its seat capacity grew by just 1.3pc. By contrast, Gatwick saw seat capacity grow by 3.3pc, largely through further development of short-haul scheduled services from carriers such as easyJet, and by attracting airlines effectively excluded from Heathrow. However, this growth has been achieved from a much lower base. In as little as 10 years’ time, the world will be a very different place in terms of airport capacity. Read Article