Passenger numbers take off at Manchester Airport

Over 1.3 million passengers passed through Manchester Airport last month, continuing 18 months of consecutive growth.

A strong winter season for the airport is now expected to be bolstered by three new Carribean destinations.

Thomas Cook launched a direct flight to Barbados and this week St Lucia and Antigua were added. Aer Lingus also increased capacity on its Shannon route from the airport and Monarch confiemd their 2014/15 winter schedule which will see the continuation of its Agadir service

Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer for Manchester Airports Groups (MAG), said: “It looks as though we are set for a busy Winter here at Manchester Airport and we are delighted that passengers are continuing to choose us as their airport of choice.

“With a wealth of new routes available, including being the only airport outside of London to now fly direct to St Lucia and Antigua, Manchester offers flexibility and options locally, without having to travel further afield.

“We’ve spent a great deal of time this year educating our catchment area that routes operate here, instead of having to travel to congested London airports. The time invested into our ‘Fly Manchester’ campaign is now paying dividends as passenger numbers continue to rise.”

Manchester Airport’s total passenger numbers for the year have risen 5.18% on 2012’s statistics.