The number of travellers passing through regional airports in the UK on an annual basis has exceeded 100 million for the first time, new figures have shown.
Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that regional airport traffic grew at a rate of four per cent in 2006, compared to 2.5 per cent at London airports, and 42 per cent of all travellers through UK airports passed through regional hubs.
International scheduled services proved to be the most popular among travellers at regional hubs with a twofold increase in passenger numbers between 2002 and 2006.
Daily scheduled flights to 12 or more international destinations are now available from eight regional hubs, compared to just two – Manchester and Birmingham – in 1990.
Direct services to the US can now be accessed from six local airports and flights to the Middle East are available from four regional locations across the UK .
Harry Bush, CAA group director, commented: "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," he added.
Manchester Airport, which is considered as part of the UK's 'big four', saw passenger numbers climb significantly 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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