Modest rise in airport passengers

Airport bosses are pleased with the rise in passengers

The Isle of Man's airport has bucked the downward global trend in air travel by posting a rise in passenger numbers.

Ronaldsway Airport recorded a modest 600 more passengers in August compared to 2007 - a 1% rise.

The rise came despite the loss of three daily flights to London City through the collapse of airline Euromanx.

As a result, the number of passengers flying to London City dropped by 4,500. Airport bosses said they were committed to adding more flights to the route.

Winter warning

Ann Reynolds, airport director, said: "Following discussions with many of the Isle of Man businesses that have relied upon the London City route, we are continuing to work hard to restore a double daily frequency at the very least.

"We are conscious of the huge value that a day return service to London City has for the Island, especially the finance sector, and the loss of the EuroManx flights on the route has hit the monthly passenger numbers for the airport hard."

Elsewhere, passenger traffic was down on the island's services to Liverpool, but increased on flights to Manchester and Blackpool.

Ms Reynolds said she was pleased with the performance, but warned the aviation industry was expecting a downturn over the winter.

"Whilst Isle of Man routes will doubtless also experience lean times, we are working closely with airlines to try to minimise the impact on the frequency of Isle of Man air services due to high fuel prices and the economic slowdown."

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