The total represents a 6.9% increase year-on-year with the boost largely driven by long-haul traffic, which grew 23% in the same period.

Short-haul destinations that have seen big growth include Bilbao and Cagliari in Sardinia, while Belfast, Newquay and Inverness are all performing strongly on the domestic front.

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s continued long-haul growth – 23% year-on-year – and strong cargo growth are the latest proof that competition in the London airports market is working.

“Our continued success provides proof of the benefits a two-runway Gatwick would deliver for Britain. Expansion of Gatwick, London’s fastest growing long-haul gateway, would show London is open for business to the world.

“As the 41.7 million passengers flying with us in the last year have seen, Gatwick is undergoing a massive transformation.

“Following the referendum, the UK needs now more than ever before an airport expansion solution which can actually be delivered and that is Gatwick – guaranteed growth, dramatically lower environmental impacts, and no taxpayer funding.”