Bournemouth Airport passes pre-pandemic passenger numbers
Image courtesy Bournemouth Airport / RCA Group
Latest figures show that in the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the airport welcomed 967,000 passengers, putting it on course to hit one million later this year.
That growth is set to continue with jet2.com having announced 16 destinations for 2025, having chosen Bournemouth as its 12th UK base airport. And tour operator TUI added a second aircraft and 60,000 seats this summer.
Ryanair meanwhile recently celebrated carrying over 10 million passengers through Bournemouth Airport, growing from its first single route to Dublin in 1996 to a 20-route operation today connecting nine countries across Europe.
Also, the airport’s international cargo operation continues to grow, cementing Bournemouth as an established gateway for airfreight into the UK.
The airport employs some 288 people and plays a key role in supporting the region’s wider aviation ecosystem, with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft.
Bournemouth Airport’s figures contributed to a 15% increase in passenger numbers for parent company Regional & City Airports (RCA), which saw more than 1.75m passengers use its airports during the year.
The RCA group also owns Exeter and Norwich Airports and holds a management contract for Solent Airport.
Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill, said: “Bournemouth Airport continues to go from strength to strength, providing more choice and better connectivity for the region, while supporting hundreds of skilled jobs as a major aviation hub. We are continuing to invest in upgrading our facilities to cater for future growth and provide the best possible passenger experience.”
