Airport passengers down by 8.3%

Airport bosses are optimistic about the new figures

The latest decline in passenger numbers through the Isle of Man's airport has offered "hope of improvement", its director Ann Reynolds has said.

Government figures show there was a 8.3% drop in passenger traffic through Ronaldsway last month.

But transport chiefs were predicting a double digit drop and said the figures compared favourably to UK airports.

Seven of the airport's 20 routes, in particular the London routes, showed increases in April, said Ms Reynolds.

"It is certainly too early to talk about a reversal of the recent rapid downward trends, but there is some reassurance in the April passenger numbers," she said.

"We had predicted a double figure downturn once again for the month and, whilst 8.3% remains a substantial decrease, we are certainly doing better than many UK airports."

The unfavourable Pound to Euro exchange rate has helped boost visitor numbers as people explore alternative break destination to Europe, Ms Reynolds said.