More than 2.4 million passengers used Manchester airport last month, making it the busiest September in the airport’s 77-year history.
The figure was up 5.44% on the same month last year, which moved the rolling annual total for the northern hub to a record of 22.8 million.
An average of 81,004 people flew via Manchester every day during the 30 days of September – more than the combined capacity of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
The increase was driven by more flights and new destinations, with young people and DINKYs (Double Income No Kids Yet) choosing to take their holidays as the school holidays ended.
Scheduled international passenger numbers rose by 7.55% on the same period last year – with an influx of international students arriving to study in the UK.
An estimated 11,500 students arrived in the region by air into the airport to study at one of Greater Manchester’s four universities.
In total an estimated 23,800 international students and university staff arrived via Manchester to study at 49 universities around the UK, including across Merseyside, Yorkshire, the Midlands and Scotland.
Airport managing director, Ken O’Toole, said: “September is always a busy month, because despite it being the end of school summer holidays, certain people take that opportunity to go away, whilst many others arrive to study.
“The international connectivity that Manchester airport affords to universities beyond those just in Greater Manchester, such as in Liverpool, Yorkshire, Birmingham, Newcastle and even Scotland, should not be underestimated as it helps to make the North of England a truly competitive proposition that is both attractive and accessible globally.”