Mixed fortunes for region’s airports

Manchester Airport saw a seven per cent drop-off in passenger figures so far this year, but is still the fourth largest in the country.

According to new figures released by RDC Aviation, covering January to September, Manchester handled 13.8 million passengers, meaning it only trails Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted in the rest of the UK.

The airport to show the largest growth was Liverpool John Lennon (JLA), which saw passenger numbers increase by 5.6 per cent to 3.9 million, compared to the same period last year.

Craig Richmond, chief executive of JLA, said that several airlines, including Ryanair and Easyjet, had added services during 2010.

“Once again, its credit to all here at the airport that Liverpool continues to outperform other UK airports, including Manchester, who have all continued to experience a decline in passenger numbers throughout the year.

“Whilst we recognise we now have a difficult few months ahead as we enter the quieter Winter period, it is pleasing that for most of the year we have been at the top of this particular league table.