New Ryanair routes boost airport passenger numbers

Ryanair began operating new flights from Norwich Airport in April

An airport has seen passenger numbers rise by nearly a quarter following the introduction of additional routes to European destinations.

Bosses at Norwich International said 316,000 passengers flew from the airport between April and October this year, a 23% increase on the same period in 2023.

It said 63,000 passengers had flown on new Ryanair routes to Alicante, Faro and Malta since April, surpassing the budget carrier's initial forecast of 60,000.

Airport managing director Richard Pace said: "We’re looking forward to a busy 2025 and continuing to offer passengers great choice with the ease and convenience of flying from their local airport."

Ryanair decided to continue operating flights to Alicante over the winter season until March 2025.

The airport, about 2.5 miles (4km) north of the city centre, has the capacity to handle 1.2 million passengers each year.

In August, Mr Pace said it was currently operating at just under 500,000.

Earlier this year it was rated one of the top three airports in the UK for customer service in a national consumer survey.

The airport is owned and operated by Regional and City Airports.

Richard Pace said introducing Ryanair flights had "boosted" the airport's profile