More than two million passengers used Manchester airport in May – a rise of 7% over the same month last year.
The month saw travellers enjoying two long bank holiday weekends as well as the school half-term break.
May saw annual passenger numbers break through the airport’s 21 million target.
The airport is confident it can now exceed its all-time peak of 22 million passengers achieved in 2007 in the next 18 months.
Manchester Airports Group chief commercial officer Ken O’Toole said: “Reaching the milestone of carrying our 21 millionth passenger has been a significant achievement for us, and is a result of a huge amount of hard work in bringing airlines and passengers back to Manchester.
“We aim to continue that pattern and have already set the conditions for further growth here that will build on what we’ve already achieved.”
He added: “The new routes launched in May, together with exciting new destinations planned for 2015, will help us win back more passengers here in the north who still do not use Manchester as their departure airport of choice.
“The 22 million mark is our next target, but we are confident that Manchester can continue to deliver growth for the region.”
Jet2.com announced last month that flights to Antalya Kefalonia and Malta would be added to its summer programme for 2015.
Thomas Cook Airlines is starting flights to New York JFK and Miami next year.