Airport marks one million annual passenger milestone for first time since 2008

Bournemouth Airport has welcomed its one millionth passenger in 2024.

The major milestone was marked in style as the millionth passenger was surprised with champagne and flowers by Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill and customer service director Cathy Hicks.

Lisa Gray and her partner Paul arrived on a flight from Faro in Portugal to the surprise reception.

It’s the first time since 2008 that the airport will see more than a million passengers in a year and follows a bumper summer season. Between April and October 840,210 passengers used Bournemouth Airport, an increase of nearly 103,000 compared to the same period last year. And bosses are already preparing for a further surge in numbers in 2025.

Managing Director Steve Gill said: “We’re thrilled to see Bournemouth Airport becoming increasingly popular as the premier airport on the south coast and a great alternative to the busy London hubs. More and more people are recognising the convenience and ease of travelling from their local airport, and with the exciting developments under way, we’re looking forward to an even wider range of destinations in the year ahead.”

The rise in passenger numbers and anticipated future growth comes after a series of new route and investment announcements by the airport and airlines, including:

TUI’s enhanced operations, with a second aircraft based at the airport this summer, adding an extra 60,000 seats.
Ryanair’s growing presence, with a 23-route network that includes recently announced flights to Crete, Rhodes and Fuerteventura.
Jet2’s imminent arrival, with 20 new routes launching from February 2025, covering popular destinations across Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.
To support its ongoing growth, Bournemouth Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound enhancement program led by its owners, Regional and City Airports, to ensure it continues to be a top choice for regional travellers.
The airport, which employs around 300 people, is also a key air cargo hub for e-commerce and plays an increasingly important role supporting the region’s wider aviation sector with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft. The neighbouring Aviation Business Park is also home to over 200 national and international businesses.

Caption: Bournemouth Airport welcomed their One Millionth passenger of 2024. Lisa Gray and her partner Paul Gray were greeted by airport Managing Director Stephen Gill and Customer Service Director Cathy Hicks as they disembarked their flight from Faro.