The name change brought a storm of controversy

The decision to add Nottingham to East Midlands Airport's name was met with fierce criticism when it was announced.

But the bosses at the airport and budget airline BMI baby say these new figures prove it has been a success.

The airline is reporting a 25% increase in passengers from major overseas cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and Cork.

It claims that adding Nottingham to the name helps travellers from abroad know where it is.

(The name change) is certainly paying benefits and creating jobs and bringing benefits to the region as a whole Tony Davies, manager BMI baby

Airport managers say the increase in travellers will benefit all cities in the East Midlands.

Experience Nottinghamshire say there has been a marked rise in hotel occupancy in line with this.

The name change was controversial as representatives from other cities in the East Midlands felt they were being sidelined.

But Tony Davies, manager of BMI baby, felt the change had proved a real success.

He said: "I think locally everyone is still calling it East Midlands Airport but overseas where we are trying to get these new passengers we can use Nottingham as an important tagline.