Prestwick Airport's decline slows

Oct 2 2009 by Stuart Wilson

PASSENGER numbers at Prestwick Airport are on the road to recovery.

August numbers showed a slowing of the recent decline, with 181,873 people using the airport.

It comes after last month’s figures revealed numbers had dropped by 66,000 in 12 months.

The positive news has been welcomed by Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe, who reckons Prestwick could be over its slump.

He said: “There are positive signs both on passenger numbers and on the volume of freight using the airport.”

Of the latest numbers, Mr Donohoe said: “Although that is a reduction on last August, it is a smaller reduction than we have been seeing of late – it’s a small improvement on the trend.

“In other words, it seems as if the slump may be reversing.

“I am also very encouraged that advance bookings for Ryanair’s recently announced sun routes are extremely strong, in particular with the under 35 age group who make up about 65 per cent of passengers who use the airport.”

Freight volumes for August were up on recent months, with 1332 tonnes being handled.

Mr Donohoe added: “That is only five per cent less than the same time last year.

“And that is fantastic news, since it means we can now move forward following the closure of Polar Air Cargo in 2008.

“I am hopeful that these trends will continue as the country starts to pull out of the recession.”