Big passenger drop at IOM Airport
10.07.08
The number of passengers through Isle of Man Airport dropped ‘significantly’ - by 10.4% - last month compared to 2007. The collapse of EuroManx, a global reduction in air travel and the centenary TT last year were all factors in the reductions, airport bosses said.
The fall was from 76,518 passengers in June 2007 to 68,558 passengers recorded in June 2008. Traffic on the London City route has plummeted to about a fifth of the 2007 level - with 6,183 passengers in June last year to 1,282 last month. Talks are continuing with VLM and London City Airport to try to secure the future of the route.
Airport director Ann Reynolds said: ‘Following the demise of EuroManx we were fortunate not to lose any routes. However as the airline was responsible for 30% of our passenger traffic it was obvious that their collapse would have a negative effect on our figures.'
‘Both Flybe and Manx2 have responded positively with additional flights on the Manchester, Liverpool and Belfast routes, and that is why the impact has not been as severe as we had feared. Indeed, our Manchester traffic actually grew in June 2008 compared with 2007 and we believe that many passengers have switched their travel to Manchester rather than flying to Liverpool.’
'However, as with all airports, we expect to see a significant slow down in air travel growth over the coming months. Our priority will be to try to sustain and build upon the substantial choice of 21 destinations from the Island, and to also ensure that our primary routes to London and the North West remain strong for the airlines that serve them.'
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