GATWICK broke the 40 million passengers a year mark for the first time last weekend and is rapidly approaching full capacity.

The Airports Commission had said the airport would take nearly ten years to hit the milestone and bosses said that shows a forecasting error that "clearly demonstrates the serious flaws in the commission’s final report and recommendation for Heathrow to be given an extra runway.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO, said: “To reach 40 million passengers a year is a tremendous achievement and sets a global benchmark for a single runway airport.

"We have grown rapidly under new ownership and the benefits of competition are clear for passengers - more choice, higher standards and lower fares.

It will not be long however before we are full. That is why Gatwick needs a second runway.

Last week Brighton and Hove City Council gave its backing for Gatwick to be given an extra runway.

A government decision on airport expansion expected in weeks.

Mr Wingate added: “We have reached this milestone 10 years ahead of the Airport Commission’s prediction that we would do so in 2024.

"The commission's report has unravelled in recent months and we now know beyond doubt that there is a fundamental error at the heart of the Report."

He added: "Traffic forecasts obviously underpin the economic figures in the report so people will make their own judgement on the economic credibility of the commission's work.

“Illegal air quality has prevented Heathrow expansion twice in the past and it is worse today than it was then.

"A third runway at Heathrow would fail again as it would be illegal. So the choice is clear - expansion grounded at Heathrow once again with Britain losing out, or expansion taking off at Gatwick with Britain reaping the benefits.”

Gatwick bosses have criticised estimations in the commission's report, arguing that the Sussex airport will increase in passenger numbers higher than forecast and states that Gatwick has a better record on air quality.