Airports welcome fewer flyers this year

A study by RDC Aviation reveals that airports around the UK are handling fewer passengers this year.

Passenger numbers are down at 33 airports around the country during the first eight months of this year, a period that includes the peak summer season when airports are usually experiencing their highest numbers.

Britons are taking almost 10 per cent fewer trips overall, with Spain and the US two of the destinations that have lost the most visitors. Visitor numbers to Spain are down by 16 per cent and 10 per cent fewer Britons took trips to the US.

Among the airports hardest hit by the decline in passenger numbers are London Gatwick and Prestwick.

Despite the gloom however, there are signs that travellers are shopping around for the best value rather than forgoing a holiday altogether. In many cases this means forgetting about costly Eurozone and US destinations.

Turkey, long recognised as a good-value holiday destination, has enjoyed 10 per cent more visitors this year, compared to 2008. Saudi Arabia is also a winner, passenger numbers to the kingdom are up by almost 30 per cent.

There's also good news for an airport at the other end of the country. Land's End Airport in Cornwall has enjoyed a rise in passenger figures of 40 per cent.

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