Rise in airport passenger numbers

Destinations from Newquay have expanded from two to 20 since 2001

Newquay Airport was the fastest growing airport in the UK last year, according Cornwall Council.

It said Civil Aviation Authority figures for regional airports showed traffic declined by an average of 4%, while Newquay recorded a rise of 15%.

The terminal building was expanded in December, bringing its annual passenger capacity up to 700,000.

Punctuality also improved at the airport last year, with 98% of flights on time, the council said.

Fire station

Newquay had shown its capacity to continue to develop successfully and efficiently, despite the transition from a military to civilian airport, the council added.

"The airport has made, and will continue to make a vital contribution to the Cornish economy for decades to come," council spokesman Tom Flanagan said.

"The journey from two destinations in 2001 to the current 20 from Newquay Cornwall Airport is an example of the tremendous progress made."

A purpose-built fire station will be officially opened at the airport on Friday.