MORE great news for the region's tourism industry.
"We have more than 22 million people living within two hours of Manchester Airport"
As news broke this morning of Manchester's hotel industry achieving their strongest year ever in 2014 with 79% average annual occupancy, Manchester Airport announced they have hit the 22 million passengers mark for the first time since 2007.
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) reports that passenger numbers have increased by one million since May 2014, and that since 2010 travellers are up by almost a quarter.
Over 65 airlines now offer 210 routes to 53 countries from the airport, making it the third busiest airport in the UK behind Heathrow (73m passengers) and Gatwick (38m passengers).
The most popular destinations for tourists in 2014 were: Dubai, Dublin. Tenerife, Amsterdam and Palma.
Manchester Airport serves over 65 airlines
Ken O’Toole, Chief Commercial Officer of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said:
"Manchester Airport’s significant growth is testament to the critical role it plays in UK aviation, providing the North of England and our extended catchment area with global connectivity through an unrivalled network of short and long haul destinations.
"We have more than 22 million people living within two hours of Manchester Airport and our continued addition of new routes and increased frequencies is seeing customers choose Manchester, rather than other airports.
“We continue to grow thanks to the strength of our catchment, the support of our airline partners and the continued hard work and dedication of all MAG colleagues. With more than 65 airlines and over 210 routes from Manchester, there is huge choice for passengers, whether flying on business or pleasure.
“2015 is set to be another busy year for the airport and we look forward to adding even more routes to our offering.”
