14th August 2009

Increase in passengers at Edinburgh Airport

Passenger numbers at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have fallen sharply but traffic has increased at Edinburgh for the fourth consecutive month.

New ongoing measures that have been set in place, including a new tram service, a taxi sharing scheme train services and additional bus routes have all helped to increase the number of passengers at Edinburgh.

Figures from airport owner BAA show Glasgow  Airport handled 12.9% fewer passengers compared with the same period last year, while Aberdeen Airport saw a 9% drop. But Edinburgh airport saw record growth last month with a 5.6% increase. This is very much in line with the figures for our Glasgow airport parking bookings which have seen a decrease but conversely Edinburgh airport parking bookings have been on the up. Strangely Glasgow airport hotel and parking bookings have continued to rise which emphasise the ever increasing popularity of this option.

Another recognised factor for the improved figures are the extra 10 destinations from Ryanair which commenced in April. This brings the total routes flying from Edinburgh to 28. Hopefully this will bring an estimated 1.8 million passengers a year through the airport.

With regard to Glasgow and Edinburgh there were some signs of stabilisation, with July seeing the smallest fall in numbers since January. Given the recession the falls have been less than expected with the fantastic growth at Edinburgh a bonus.

It would have been useful to have seen the Ryanair figures stripped out because as well as having a positive affect on Edinburgh they must have also taken business from Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.