Work starts on Prestwick Airport extension

Nov 7 2008

WORK has started on a £1.7 million extension to Prestwick Airport.

The move comes as bosses reveal that passenger numbers have risen for the fifth consecutive month.

The 214,436 passengers that used the airport in September brings the year-to-date total from April to 1,372,187.

However, charter traffic fell in September because of the collapse of Seguro holidays, leading to an overall drop in passenger numbers compared to the same month last year.

Airport boss Mark Rodwell said: “It is very pleasing to record a rise in scheduled passenger traffic yet again as it demonstrates the strength of our low cost airline customers Ryanair, Wizz Air and Aer Arann.”

And Mr Rodwell explained that improvements to the departure lounge will take place over the winter months.

He said: “The departure lounge extension and refurbishment is great news for our passengers, who will benefit from new facilities and more space.”

Ayr MSP John Scott insists that it’s good news for the Ayrshire economy.

He said: “These figures are clearly very encouraging and the decision of the airport’s owners to invest a further £1.7 million on departure lounge facilities is a welcome demonstration of their commitment to Prestwick and its future.”

And his view was echoed by Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe.

He added: “Passenger figures are a very important indicator of the health of an airport.

“Despite a number of developments that have affected carriers using Prestwick, they are continuing to improve year on year.”

And South Ayrshire’s council leader Hugh Hunter went on: “As one of the main drivers of the economy of South Ayrshire and a major local employer, improvements on the scale to Prestwick Airport are very much to be welcomed.”