London Gatwick Airport handled 9.7 million passengers during the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year.

The growth was backed by a 7.5% increase in long-haul flights, while cargo transportation also grew by 7.2% quarter on quarter.

Data published by the airport shows that North Atlantic routes supported the growth with 15.3%.

Virgin Atlantic and Delta are set to start new routes from Gatwick to Boston Logan and New York JFK next summer.

GatwickConnects, the airport’s service that allows travellers to book connecting flights through Gatwick, also supported the surge in passengers at the airport.

“We will publish the final version of Gatwick’s masterplan later this year, outlining potential options for future growth.”

Passengers using GatwickConnects increased 80% from Edinburgh, 58% from Jersey and 50% from Belfast in the final quarter of 2018.

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Over the three month period, domestic routes to the Isle of Man and Glasgow saw growth of more than 9% and 5% respectively.

Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s year has started as we mean the rest of 2019 to go on. Our pioneering spirit at the airport is driving for success in both the short and long-term.

“In the immediate period, we continue to innovate, enabling new and established airlines to grow to all parts of the world, including most recently a new service to Rio de Janeiro.

“Looking ahead to further opportunities, we will publish the final version of Gatwick’s masterplan later this year, outlining potential options for future growth.”

In December, VINCI Airports said that it will acquire a 50.01% stake in London Gatwick Airport from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for $3.68bn.

Gatwick also signed a framework contract with Stanley Robotics in March to test robots that valet park passengers’ cars.

Gatwick recently commissioned new technology that improves monitoring of aircraft flights and associated noise.