Passenger numbers at Newquay Cornwall Airport are continuing to grow, however still remain far off the number using the airport during its peak years.

In the final quarter of the year over 43,400 travellers used the airport compared with the same period in 2013, an increase of 31 per cent.

Throughout 2014 Newquay Cornwall Airport saw total passenger numbers increase by 36,500 versus the previous year, with over 220,000 using the airport.

Total passenger numbers for 2014 were up 20 per cent on the previous year however are still a long way short of the numbers using the airport in recent years.

In 2008, 431,000 passengers used the airport. 

The rise was mainly due to high demand and usage of the daily services to and from Newquay to London Gatwick (3 daily flights) and Manchester as well as the summer services operating between Newquay, Birmingham and Liverpool being extremely popular.

Flybe announced a new four times weekly summer service between Newquay and London Stansted early in 2014  and other new routes announced include a brand new service to Dublin with Aer Lingus starting in May operating up to five times per week.

Al Titterington, MD at Newquay Airport said: “The growth in passenger numbers and destinations in 2014 was extremely encouraging and demonstrates that with an improving economy we continue to see a positive growth profile at the airport.

"With new destinations added to the flight schedule, regional connectivity was bolstered and worldwide travel options opened up via airline partnerships offering convenient flights from hubs at Manchester, Gatwick and Birmingham.

"2015 passenger forecasts show further growth in passenger numbers as we have added new destinations such as Dublin and London-Stansted and continue in discussions with a number of airlines which we hope will add further destinations to be flown from the Airport.

"Our full summer schedule will offer convenient direct flights to Cornwall from across the UK, Ireland and Germany which is vital in supporting the Cornish economy.”