Isle of Man travellers fall with temperature

Some passengers were forced to cancel their arrangements

The freezing temperature and heavy snow which hit the UK in January has been blamed for a 7% reduction in passengers through the Isle of Man's airport.

Although Ronaldsway remained open, many mainland airports were force to close for short periods, causing flight delays and cancellations.

Airport bosses estimate the weather reduced passenger numbers by a about 5,000 from their 50,000 estimate.

There was also a small reduction in December, due to freezing temperatures.

Most of the airport's services suffered decreases of between 5% and 20%, but six routes actually recorded increases.

Travel 'nervousness'

Routes to Belfast City and Newcastle saw 10.6 and 6.6% increases respectively on last year's figures.

Passenger numbers on services to London City and Geneva also increased.

Airlines also suffered a period of poor forward bookings during the first half of January, airport director Ann Reynolds said.

"There was clearly a degree of nervousness from some travellers about committing to booking flights, but thankfully this has picked up once again and we are hopeful that February will return to a period of moderate growth," she said.

An increase in passengers of almost 5% is currently predicted for 2010 by the Manx government.