12/09/2007 01:59:57
The number of passengers flying to and from three major Scottish airports rose by 6.3% in August, according to figures released by their operator.
BAA Scotland says that passenger numbers rose by 13.1% at Aberdeen, and by 10% in Edinburgh compared to figures for July. It is thought that Edinburgh, which handled almost 900,000 people during the month, benefited from the popularity of the city’s festivals.
Glasgow airport saw a 0.5% increase, with numbers rising to almost 870,000. BAA says that the strong performance of the airport’s long-haul routes has helped passenger numbers to recover after June’s failed terror attack.
BBC News reports that Gordon Dewar, Glasgow airport’s managing director, said that passengers had not been put off flying.
"In the year to August, Glasgow Airport handled more than 8.8 million passengers, including more than 900,000 long-haul travellers," he said.
Year-on-year numbers were up by a total of 1.3% at BAA-controlled airports in the UK. Heathrow was the only airport of the seven to post a fall for the year, with 0.9% fewer passengers.