IoM Air Traffic Stronger In February

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

25 March 2010

After two months of unprecedented weather disruption at UK airports causing cancellations to many Island services, February saw an improvement to the weather – and an increase in passengers using Isle of Man Airport.

The airport had traffic of 51,000 passengers during February, an increase of 900 or 1.8% over February 2009. Air traffic was still subject to some weather disruption during the month and thus the moderate increase of less than 2% was slightly lower than expected.

It was the major markets that showed greatest promise in February. Traffic between the Island and North West England grew by over 800 passengers, or almost 4%. Liverpool was particularly strong, with an 11.5% increase, and Manchester carried almost the same number of passengers as in February 2009. London routes grew by 1,000 passengers, a 6.4% increase, with both London City and Luton showing increases of more than 20% compared with last year.

“Whilst our growth has again been slightly hampered by adverse weather during February, it is reassuring to see positive growth in these major markets,” said Ann Reynolds, Airport Director. “Both the key Gatwick and Manchester routes have suffered badly during the recession, and then been hit further by the winter snow. Both have shown much improved performance in February, and as these two routes provide almost 40% of our total passengers, it is vital that they continue to show sustained recovery.”

As widely reported, the reversal of the economic recession in the UK has been slower than expected. This continues to particularly affect the business routes to the Island and, as a result, passenger numbers to Leeds, Belfast International, Jersey, East Midlands and Glasgow saw significant decreases in February. However, Belfast City, Gloucester, Edinburgh and Newcastle all posted increases, with Manx2’s newest route, Newcastle, achieving a staggering 45% increase. Aer Arann, as well as carrying almost 60% more passengers to London City, also saw a 4% increase on its Dublin route and its flights to Paris, operated in conjunction with Regency Travel, carried more than 400 passengers and were over 85% full.

“It is reassuring to see the Newcastle route gathering strength and London City also continuing to grow strongly, whilst Flybe’s Luton service also shows significant growth,” added Reynolds. “Paris has proven to be a popular spring time break and we are hopeful that the flights can be repeated during the summer period."

The Isle of Man Minister for Transport, David Anderson, was also cautiously confident about the continued recovery in passenger numbers. "It is clear that 2010 will see a steady improvement in our air traffic but the business community is still finding that times are hard," he said. "I am sure that, as the year progresses, we will see the buoyancy of the business market recover in the same way as the leisure passengers have begun to return, giving the stimulation badly needed for our all-important business air service network."

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