CAA reveals rise in UK flyers

The UK's airports saw a near three per cent increase in passengers during 2006, according to new figures.

Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that 235 million Britons hopped on a flight last year, with Stansted and Gatwick airports seeing the biggest rises.

Regional airports also enjoyed significant growth in traffic over the year, handling 98 million passengers in total.

Local hubs at Liverpool and Nottingham experienced the biggest rises, said the CAA, with Manchester Airport continuing to be the biggest airport outside of the capital.

Europe was found to be the most popular destination for British travellers last year, followed by other UK airports and North America.

Last week, figures from BAA indicated a 0.6 per cent rise in the number of passengers flying from the seven main UK airports in February, with the largest increases seen at Gatwick and Southampton airports.

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