Southend airport forecasts flat passenger numbers

The forecast slowdown follows 20% growth in the year to July 31 with revenue per passenger up by 10% year-on-year.

The company said it was “actively working” to identify opportunities to bring further traffic into the airport.

One example is the transfer of a Bern service by SkyWork Airlines from London City airport in October.

“We have also been focussed on restructuring management and developing the airport’s systems to make the airport operation more efficient,” Stobart said.

“For the second year running the airport has topped the Which? airport passenger satisfaction survey with an improved rating, but there is still work to do in some areas.”

Stobart Air, 45% owned by the company, has recorded increased passenger numbers for 13 consecutive months up to July.

“We are working with the airline’s management to identify further opportunities,” the company said.

Stobart revealed that planning permission has been secured at Carlisle airport for an air/road freight distribution centre, “which also opens up potential opportunities for further development, including passenger and air freight services”.