THE Isle of Man Airport has seen a return to normality, one year after the devastation caused by the Icelandic volcano, with passenger figures recovering during April.
In fact, the 57,400 passengers who used the airport during the month reverses the overall disappointing downturn experienced so far in the first quarter of the year.
But the 4.4% overall increase has been described by Airport Director Ann Reynolds as “disappointing against forecast.” She said the underlying trend shows that air traffic is still struggling to recover with the UK leisure market in particular suffering from the austerity conditions following the recession.
She added, "We are naturally pleased to see the expected reversal of a massive downturn experienced by the Airport this time last year, however the figures are still disappointing against forecast.
"What we would like to see is a more robust recovery within the air transport industry, and in particular, a return to the growth that we were beginning to experience at the end of last year.
“This month will also see a surge in passenger numbers over May 2010, for the same reason as the April figures, and this will help to put 2011 back on track after a disappointing start to the year."
Increases for April were across all routes, but with some exceeding expectations. The Liverpool service experienced a massive 75% increase with Flybe and easyJet carrying over 13,000 passengers on the route. Glasgow, which has been struggling lately, producing a 34% increase and Birmingham was up by 31% with Belfast City logging a 42% rise in passengers.
The biggest increase in percentage terms, with a doubling of passenger numbers, came from the Isle of Man to Southampton service, although passengers numbers are still low. The route was re-launched by Flybe at the end of March and will offer daily flights (except Saturdays), a marked increase in frequency that provided in 2010.
Moreover, Flybe are now operating the route as a “through service” directly to Brussels. This means that passengers can board the aircraft in the Isle of Man and fly through to Brussels with a brief stop at Southampton without alighting from the aircraft.
On the return flight from Brussels to the Isle of Man, whilst it is necessary for passengers to briefly clear customs at Southampton, the baggage remains on board the aircraft.
“We are delighted to have a through link to Brussels, as it not only provides Islanders with a through service to the European Capital, but opens up the Island for inbound tourism and a superb direct business link to and from northern Europe," said Mrs Reynolds.
"Moreover, at as little as £42 one way to Southampton and £54 one way to Brussels, the service is not only convenient, but inexpensive. Feedback from passengers travelling to Brussels has been very good.
"There are some amazing fares to a variety of other destinations, making air travel to and from the Island competitive for residents and visitors alike," she added. "As this makes short break holidays to the Island extremely cost-effective, we are hoping that those who are finding it financially tough to go further afield because of the cost will discover the peace and tranquility of the Isle of Man this summer, boosting our passenger volumes."
Minister of Infrastructure, Phil Gawne, MHK, said that with the current UK and European economic environment, it is likely to be a slower recovery in traffic levels than originally anticipated.
"The important thing for the Island is that we continue to try to ensure that we are able to offer both residents and visitors not only good value air fares, but the broad range of destinations that we have built up, together with the best possible frequency of flights," he said.
"That way, whilst the recovery may be slow and steady, the air service network will continue to form a firm foundation for the economy, tourism and lifestyle of the Isle of Man."
