Record passenger numbers are passing through Gatwick as it announces a nearly £60 million profit.

The airport made £57.5 million worth of profit with turnover of £593.7 million and more than 35.9 million passengers passing through their doors.

Gatwick announced this morning that £1.2 billion worth of investments has helped the airport grow – hoping this will support their application for a second runway.

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, said: “Gatwick’s record performance and growth to around 36 million passengers this year demonstrates how we are successfully competing in the London market and why we are best-placed to deliver the UK’s next new runway.

"Airlines and passengers are increasingly choosing to fly from Gatwick and this growth is expected to continue. And despite getting busier and handling growing numbers of passengers, we remain the top London airport for passenger satisfaction.

“Expansion at Gatwick would ensure London can effectively compete with its European neighbours and provide essential air links that the UK needs to both established and emerging markets.

“A two runway Gatwick would provide London and the UK with two world class airports and enable businesses to thrive and the economy to grow.

"It is, without a doubt, the obvious solution to creating the best future outcome for airlines, passengers and UK Plc, enabling more people to fly each year to the widest range of short and long haul destinations on more competitively priced fares.”

Gatwick welcomed news that Govia has been awarded the new Thameslink franchise, which will transform rail services to the airport with improved, high quality trains and a doubling of rail capacity at Gatwick by 2018.