Stewart Wingate, chief executive, London Gatwick said: “With our long-haul network thriving, we’re in a strong position to support a post-Brexit Britain, when long-haul connections to countries like China will be more important than ever before.”

A vital new long-haul connection from London Gatwick to Shanghai – China’s largest city – was announced today, as Gatwick recorded year-on-year long-haul growth of 21 per cent during July.

London Gatwick is gearing up for its busiest summer on record, with 8,846,000 people set to use the airport during the school holidays. It follows a successful June at Gatwick, which saw 4.5 million passengers travelling through, with the airport’s long-haul routes growing by 26 per cent year-on-year.

Gatwick Airport reported passenger numbers reached an all-time high of 45.7 million during the 12 months to the end of March. Revenue at the airport was up 5.4 per cent, to £764.2 million, over the period.

Last month saw London Gatwick experience the busiest May in its history, as 4.1 million passengers travelled through the airport.

Today marks a significant milestone for London Gatwick, as the airport celebrates 60 years since it was officially opened in its current form.