Passenger numbers at Bristol Airport have risen for the third successive year. The 2.8% year-on-year increase to 5
.9m makes Bristol the only airport in the UK’s top 10 to achieve growth each year since the end of 2009.
Last year’s figures also include record monthly totals for June and July.
The figures come as Bath tourist chiefs prepare for stronger links between the airport and city. With many inbound tourists landing at Bristol before heading to Bath, the first direct bus service is to be introduced in March linking the aiport with Bath city centre.
The rise in total passenger numbers at Bristol was achieved with fewer flights. The total number of aircraft movements fell by 7.3% – a decrease of almost 5,000 flights – as airlines operated larger aircraft with high load factors.
Further passenger growth is expected this year following the introduction of new routes.
Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair said: “These figures are a very positive signal that the South West economy is moving in the right direction.
“The resurgence in business travel has been particularly strong with several airlines, including KLM and Brussels Airlines, adding capacity on routes to major European hub airports. We expect this growth to continue throughout 2013, with further route announcements in the pipeline.”
