Passenger figures for the financial year 2005/06 show a 30% growth over the previous 12 month period.
A total of 873,869 passengers used Exeter International Airport between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006, the highest number in the airport’s history.
The twice daily link to Edinburgh, Exeterââ™s most popular UK scheduled service domestic route, saw an increase of 55% but the highest percentage rise in passenger numbers of all ten services was on the Newcastle route which was up by 152%.
The best performing scheduled service, outside the UK, was to Alicante with the route recording an extra 44%. The highest percentage increase was for the Faro service, up 81% on the year before.
Charter holidays to Turkey all had more travellers than the previous year and the Bodrum route had an improvement of 34%. Passenger numbers on the summer Toronto charter service were also better. Those using the flights to and from the Canadian airport were up on 2004 by 9%.
Devon County Council Leader Cllr Brian Greenslade said: “This is terrific news and confirms Exeter’s popularity as the fastest growing regional airport in the country. It is a testament to the sterling work of the management and staff. Devon County Council is committed to ensuring the continuing long-term success of the airport.”
Councillor Richard Westlake, Chairman of the airport’s board of directors, said: “The airport’s success has been good for both business and pleasure travellers. The significant increase in passenger numbers has continued the trend of the past few years and at this rate we can look forward to passing the one millionth passenger milestone during the next year.”
