Airport sees 12.5% passenger drop

The number of passengers using Southampton Airport fell 12.5% in May compared to the same time in 2008.

The airport said the drop was not as big as at other airports, and added its destinations were growing in 2009.

The figures announced by BBA - which operates seven airports - showed an average drop of 7.3% in May from a year ago across its sites.

The group's profits fell by 18.4% over the past financial year as passenger numbers were hit during the recession.

In a statement, Southampton Airport said: "Whilst the airport is continuing to experience a decrease in passenger numbers, the reduction is less than some other regional airports.

"[This is] a reflection of the quality of our product, the strength of our catchment area and our airlines/route network."

BAA's figures included an 18.5% drop at Stansted, an 11.7% decrease at Glasgow, a 6.5% drop at Gatwick and a 3.9% fall at Heathrow.