Record month caps off strong year as airport traffic surges

● Ryanair routes drive ‘busiest-ever’ November footfall for Edinburgh

Airport chiefs have declared that they are ending the year on a high with record passenger figures.

International passengers increased by almost a fifth at Edinburgh Airport, which led to its “busiest-ever” November.

A total of 936,193 passengers used the airport – up 8.7 per cent on the same month last year. International passengers accounted for 509,610, an increase of 18.1 per cent on November last year.

Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, Gordon Dewar, said: “This is yet another record month for the airport and the fact the growth is being mainly driven by international is testament to the fantastic global links that we have.

“By offering greater choice to our passengers, we are making it easier to welcome Scotland to the world and to allow people to go and experience destinations across the globe.”

Glasgow Airport also recorded record November figures. More than 682,800 passengers travelled through the airport’s doors last month. Airport chiefs said the figures were a 2.5 per cent increase on the same period last year.

European Union scheduled services increased by 10.5 per cent, driven by strong demand on new Ryanair routes to Madrid, Lisbon, Valencia, Kra-

0 International traffic rose by almost a fifth at Edinburgh last month. kow, Frankfurt and Lufthansa’s Munich service.

International traffic also grew by 6.2 per cent with longhaul services to North America and Florida. Emirates’ twice daily service to Dubai was up 12 per cent.

Amanda Mcmillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “Our November figures not only guarantee we approach the end of the year on a high, they also help ensure we are in a strong position as we prepare to enter 2018,” she said.

“Our efforts in securing 30 new routes and services have been instrumental in making 2017 the most successful year in the airport’s history.

“As well as consolidating our position as Scotland’s leading long-haul airport, we have also significantly added to our now burgeoning European network.”

Almost 250,000 people travelled through Aberdeen International Airport during November – a 4.9 per cent increase on the same month last year.

Domestic and international traffic was up 7.2 per cent and 12 per cent respectively due to strong demand for new services.

But helicopter traffic was down 16.9 per cent, largely due to poor weather that grounded services.

Aberdeen airport managing director Carol Benzie said: “We have reported an increase in both domestic and international traffic for seven consecutive months, which is extremely encouraging.”