The number of people who used Gatwick airport in July was 4.1million, up by 6% year on year.

This figure along with that of Heathrow who had 0.5% more passengers than last july, has heated the debate over airport expansion.

Both airports have claimed their records meant that they, rather than their rival should be granted an expansion.

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said that Gatwick can’t deliver daily.

However, Nick Dunn, chief financial officer at Gatwick said a third runway at heathrow would diminish the choice available to British passengers.

The Airports Commission, charged with deciding which option is best, is due to report after 2015.