Passengers using Southend airport increased by 9% to 1.09 million in 2014 with capacity now available to handle five million a year.
The figures were released today in a trading statement from parent company Stobart Group.
The company admitted that passenger numbers on existing operations are likely to be “slightly lower” in the next six months.
“However, discussions with existing airlines and a number of new airlines should together bring strong sustainable growth in volumes in the coming years,” Stobart said.
“Airlines are attracted by the peak time capacity availability and superfast point-to-point travel experience.
“We are also exploring revenue opportunities in non-passenger-related activities from the unused land not required for the airport operation.”
Regional carrier Stobart Air, in which Stobart Group owns 45%, increased passenger carryings for 18 consecutive months up to December 2014.
Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our investment in London Southend airport is now largely complete and we are well placed to grow the profitability of that business.
“The airport serves over one million passengers per year, and as a result of our recent investment, now has capacity in its terminal to serve five million passengers.”