Norwich Airport passenger numbers top half-million mark for first time in nearly 10 years
Richard Pace, Operations Director & General Manager of Norwich International. Pictured: Supplied - Credit: Supplied
The number of passengers flying from Norwich Airport last year topped half a million for the first time since 2008, new figures show.
A 10% increase in passenger numbers saw the total climb to 506,007 passengers from the 2015 total of 43,343.
The airport said the launch of several new routes in 2016, including the return of year-round flights to Malaga and Alicante, underpinned the rise.
A link-up between Exeter-based Flybe and the airport's owner saw the introduction of one of the airline's E195 118-seater jet aircraft on the
routes, which operate year-round.
Further services to ski destination Chambery, Gran Canaria and Cyprus have also played their part.
Norwich Airport managing director Richard Pace said: 'We've had a great year and every month saw passenger growth of between 4% and 19%.
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'The return of the Spanish sunshine flights has been a huge success with double digit increases in March, April and May. July and November were among our best ever, both up by 19%, and Chambery has proved popular helping us to end the year 9% up in December and 10% overall.'
Mr Pace said he was hopeful of continued growth in 2017 with the launch of a new weekly service to the Greek Island of Rhodes, increased flights to Jersey, and special flights to Dubrovnik in Croatia and Venice in Italy.
He added: 'Growing our route network to include more international hubs and leisure destinations remains our priority, and the completion of the Northern Distributor Road next year will make it even easier for people to travel from their local airport.'
