Busy times at BBA's airports

Passenger numbers grew by 4.4% to a new high of 133.4 million in the year to 31 March, while pre-tax profits rose by a more meagre 0.2% to �539m.

BAA said it expected passenger traffic to grow by 6% in the coming year.

The company's UK airports include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton.

"Although the international political outlook is likely to remain uncertain, we believe that robust passenger traffic growth will continue as the UK economy strengthens, along with those of key regions such as North America and Asia," said chief executive Mike Clasper.

The 0.2% rise in pre-tax profits was due to changes to pension payments and extra investment to provide better service levels for passengers and airlines, BAA said.

The firm also said its operating costs had risen, partly due to increased security measures it has introduced at its airports.