Bournemouth Airport has seen a surge in summer passenger numbers with 840,210 people using the airport in the six months to the end of October.
That’s an increase of almost 103,000 on the same period last year.
The airport is expected to hit one million passengers in 2024 for the first time in 16 years.
The rise in passenger numbers is attributed to TUI’s commitment to base a second aircraft at Bournemouth this summer, adding an extra 60,000 seats, and the continued growth of Ryanair, which also has two summer aircraft based at Bournemouth.
Ryanair’s 20-route network included the addition of a new year-round service to Agadir in Morocco, driving further interest in the airport as a convenient regional travel hub.
Bournemouth Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound enhancement in preparation for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays starting services in February 2025.
Jet2’s launch, which was brought forward two months in response to demand, will bring 20 routes across Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean in 2025.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, pictured left, said: “We’re thrilled to see Bournemouth Airport becoming increasingly popular as a great alternative to the busy London hubs.
“More and more people are recognising the convenience and ease of travelling from their local airport, and with the exciting developments underway, we’re ready to offer an even wider range of destinations in the year ahead.”
Bournemouth Airport is owned and operated by Regional and City Airports (RCA), part of Rigby Group plc.
RCA also owns and operates Exeter Airport and Norwich Airport, with a management contract for Solent Airport.