CAA: Passenger numbers at regional airports grow

Passenger numbers at regional airports in the UK have topped the 100 million mark, new figures have shown.

The number of passengers passing through the doors of regional airports has tripled in the past 17 years, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Regional airports handled 42 per cent of all passengers last year, with international scheduled services proving to be the most popular.

Harry Bush, CAA group director, said: "Regional airports have continued to develop new services rapidly and have put themselves firmly on the map.

"There are connections to business as well as leisure destinations in Europe and further afield - including services to hub airports in Europe, the US and Middle East."

Manchester Airport, which is considered one the UK's 'big four', saw passenger numbers climb from 10.1 million to 22.1 million between 1990 and 2007.

Manchester Airport Group, which owns Manchester, Humberside and Bournemouth airports, as well as East Midlands Airport, recently reported a £1.2 million increase in half-year operating profits.

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