BOURNEMOUTH Airport has passed its pre-pandemic passenger numbers.

The airport has seen a 25 per cent growth in passenger numbers and surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

Latest figures show that in the 12 months to the end of March 2024, the airport welcomed 967,000 passengers, putting it on course to hit one million later this year.

That growth is set to continue with jet2.com having announced 16 destinations for 2025, having chosen Bournemouth as its 12th UK base airport.

Tour operator TUI also added a second aircraft and 60,000 seats this summer, and Ryanair recently celebrated carrying over ten million passengers through Bournemouth Airport.

The airport employs some 288 people and plays a key role in supporting the region's wider aviation ecosystem, with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft.

Bournemouth Airport's figures contributed to a 15 per cent increase in passenger numbers for parent company Regional & City Airports (RCA), which saw more than 1.75m passengers use its airports during the year.

The airport's managing director Steve Gill, said: "Bournemouth Airport continues to go from strength to strength, providing more choice and better connectivity for the region, while supporting hundreds of skilled jobs as a major aviation hub.

"We are continuing to invest in upgrading our facilities to cater for future growth and provide the best possible passenger experience."