Manx air passenger figures fall

Airport bosses were expecting the downturn

The number of passengers through Isle of Man's airport fell "significantly" by 10% last month, compared to 2007, figures have shown.

The collapse of EuroManx, a global reduction in air travel and the centenary TT last year were all factors in the reductions, airport bosses said.

An influx of passengers in June 2007 meant air traffic was more than 6% higher than an average June total.

Airport director Ann Reynolds said it planned to boost its 21 destinations.

"Following the demise of EuroManx we were fortunate not to lose any routes, however as the airline was responsible for 30% of our passenger traffic it was obvious that their collapse would have a negative effect on our figures," Ms Reynolds said.

"However, both Flybe and Manx2 have responded positively with additional flights on the Manchester, Liverpool and Belfast routes, and that is why the impact has not been as severe as we had feared.

"Indeed, our Manchester traffic actually grew in June 2008 compared with 2007 and we believe that many passengers have switched their travel to Manchester rather than flying to Liverpool."

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