The graph illustrates the number of travellers (in millions) using three major British airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted – over the six-year period from 1998 to 2003.
Overall, Gatwick consistently handled the highest passenger volume for most of the period and experienced steady growth, while Heathrow and Stansted showed more fluctuation. By 2003, Gatwick remained the busiest airport.
Regarding Gatwick, passenger numbers rose steadily throughout the period. Starting at 36.5 million in 1998, the figure increased each year, reaching 69.3 million in 2003. This represents the most consistent growth among the three airports.
As for Heathrow, the figures were more volatile. After a significant rise from 27.2 million in 1998 to a peak of 48.2 million in 2000, passenger numbers declined sharply to 33.2 million in 2002 before recovering to 45.6 million in 2003.
Finally, Stansted’s passenger traffic grew dramatically from 17.3 million in 1998 to 39.9 million in 2000. Growth continued but slowed, reaching 43.3 million in 2001, a figure which remained unchanged through 2003, indicating a plateau in its growth.