The given table illustrates the figure of individuals traveling via aviation annually by three British

airports named Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted over a six-year period, from 1998 to 2003, with
data provided in millions.

Overall, what stands out from the data is that while Gatwick and Stansted airports had experienced
an upward pattern in the number of travelers, Heathrow had experienced fluctuations over the
period. It is also evident that the rank of passenger numbers among the three airports stayed
unchanged at the beginning and end of the period.

Looking into details, Stansted airport had witnessed a significant surge in its number of visitors in the
first four years, from just 17.3 million travelers to 43.3 million in 2001. After which, the passenger
number at Stansted airport remained stagnant at 43.3 million til the end of the period.

According to the table, the figure of Gatwick airport’s passengers was recorded at 36.5 million at the
beginning of the period and then increased dramatically, ending the period with 69.3 million
passengers. As a result, Gatwick airport consistently held the top position as the most visited airport
throughout the six-year period.

Turning to Heathrow airport, the number of its travelers started at 27.2 million people in 1998,
rapidly jumping to 48.2 million within 2 years. However, in 2001, there was a considerable decline in
Heathrow airport visitors, dropping to 33.2 million in 2002, before rebounding incredibly and peaking
at 45.6 million passengers in 2003, finishing the period.