Passenger numbers improve at loss-making Prestwick Airport

Ryanair is a major user of Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has reported an increase of 8% in passenger numbers for December.

A total of 20,265 passengers passed through the airport. Retail and restaurant sales were up by 15%.

The troubled airport is owned by the Scottish government, which bought it for £1 in November 2013.

Prestwick's business development manager Mike Stewart said the figures showed the airport was "moving in the right direction".

Mr Stewart said: "December was a very positive month and I am delighted that the signs are looking good for continued passenger growth this year through additional flights to Malaga and Pisa, and the return of flights to Reus.

"There is still a lot of work to be done to get the airport on to a sound commercial footing but these latest figures show that the team is working hard to bring new business to Prestwick.

"It is important that we push on from here and continue to work with all our partners over the coming months as we look to identify new commercial opportunities for Glasgow Prestwick Airport."

The airport hopes to see an additional 4,400 passengers during the summer season because of additional flights to Malaga.

Extra flights to Pisa have also been announced, as has the return of flights to Reus in Spain.

The airport made a loss of £4.1m in 2014/15.