New routes and increased capacity boosts Manchester Airport

MANCHESTER Airport is within touching distance of reaching its pre-recession record of 22 million passengers after another strong month of growth.

The airport said passenger numbers rose 7.1% in October to more than two million, taking the rolling annual total to 21.8 million.

During October there was a 12%  year-on-year increase in passengers flying internationally, as numbers were boosted by new route launches and the introduction of increased capacity on existing long haul routes.

Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer at MAG, owner of Manchester Airport, said: “It’s been another strong month of growth for Manchester Airport where we have further improved our credentials as being the international gateway for the North of England.

“Our ongoing ‘Fly Manchester’ campaign, has been hugely successful in communicating to passengers that there is no need to make the long trek to use congested and expensive airports in the south, when better options are available right on their doorstep.

“As we see more passengers come through our doors, Manchester Airport can play an even more effective role in helping deliver  the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ through providing new jobs and business opportunities to the region.”

During October, Ryanair announced it would be extending its winter flying schedule from Manchester and a new service to Eindhoven in Holland, a previously unserved destination, launched.

Flybe also commenced a new year-round daily service to Amsterdam, marking the start of its winter flying programme, where it will operate 17 routes to and from Manchester offering a choice of up to 660 flights a week.

Saudia Airlines announced an additional service on its successful Manchester- Jeddah flights, increasing their offering from three to four flights per week on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.