Manchester airport achieved a strong end to 2013 with passenger numbers up by 5.4% in December to 1.3 million.
The performance was attributed to a busy Christmas period where the airport saw more than 720,000 travellers arrive and depart, a rise of 1.2% year on year.
The December passenger figures mark the airport’s 19 consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
Manchester Airports Group chief commercial officer Ken O’Toole said: “December is traditionally a busy month for us – particularly the last two weeks with people travelling to be with friends and family during the festive season.
“2013 was an encouraging year with many big milestones being reached including our successful acquisition of London Stansted airport, Manchester’s 75th anniversary, having our busiest summer in five years and passing the 20 million passenger mark.
“Looking ahead at 2014 I’m confident that the good performance will continue with numerous airlines already announcing extra frequencies and expansion plans which will come online in the near future.”
This summer will bring new long-haul route launches from US Airways to Charlotte and Air Canada Rouge to Toronto. These will follow the return of Saudia Airlines with a direct route to Jeddah from Manchester.
A number of other airlines have also added extra services to their schedules for the summer including Ryanair to Bologna and easyJet to Catania in Sicily.
Monarch, which recently signed a three year growth plan, has expanded its summer route network with routes to Naples, Agadir, Hurghada and Enfidha in Tunisia. The expansion will make Manchester airport Monarch’s largest UK base.
Jet2.com will be running flights to Bergerac, Jersey and Vienna.