Chaotic weather conditions and the effect of the UK recession are cited behind a sharp decline in passenger traffic at Ronaldsway Airport in February.

With an extra day in February 2008 (as a leap year) also a factor, there was a 15 per cent decrease overall.

Just over 50,000 passengers passed through the airport compared with 59,000 a year ago.

Airport officials say that with one day less in February and the fact that day was a Friday – the busiest day of the week at the airport – that would account for a four per cent reduction in itself and an 11 per cent decline would be a more realistic comparison.

Heavy snowfall in the UK last month also led to a significant number of flight cancellations and many passengers didn’t risk the uncertainty of any travel.

Airport director Ann Reynolds says the difficult time for the aviation industry is set to continue in the immediate future.

‘Whilst the shorter month and the poor weather have impacted the comparison with February
2008, the underlying trend continues to be a decrease of about eight to 10 per cent over 2008,’ she said.

‘It is generally accepted throughout the industry that 2009 will continue to be a very tough year for airlines and airports alike and, whilst the Isle of Man continues to be slightly ahead of most of the UK and European airports, we are not immune to the economic difficulties.’

The major North-West routes saw a total reduction of nearly 5,800 passengers, but Blackpool showed a 12.7 per cent increase with over 200 more passengers using the route.

The London City route, with Aer Arann operating for the first full month on the route, generated over 4,000 passengers and Luton held up well with a slight increase over 2008.

The expanded Flybe Geneva route was over 80 per cent full with a 22 per cent increase in traffic and the Manx2 East Midlands service improved greatly with 67 per cent of the seats filled and 450 passengers carried.

‘We know that our airlines are having a tough time and our aim is to continue to support them as much as possible so they can continue to provide the Island with the comprehensive air service network that we currently have,’ she added.

‘Route expansion is something we can look forward to in the future, but our focus at the moment is route retention.’

Transport Minister David Anderson, underlined the value of having the choice of over 20 scheduled service destinations from the Island.

‘It has taken a number of years to build up a strong air service network for the Island and we are determined to try to ensure that this remains intact for the future,' he said.

‘The Island’s economy, together with the overall quality of life on the Island, is very much dependent upon easy and convenient air access and it is essential we work with our airlines during these difficult times to continue to provide the network that is needed.’