Bournemouth Airport has seen a surge in summer passenger numbers, with 840,210 people using the airport between April and October – up almost 103,000 on a year prior.

It puts Bournemouth on track to surpass a million passengers in 2024, a feat it hasn’t achieved since 2008.

The boost has been put down to TUI’s commitment to base a second aircraft at the airport this summer, adding an extra 60,000 seats.

Ryanair, which has two summer aircraft based in the town, has also grown its offering, including the addition of a popular year-round service to Agadir in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth Airport itself has made a multimillion-pound investment to begin hosting Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flights for the first time in February 2025.

Jet2’s launch, which was brought forward two months in response to demand, will introduce 20 routes across Europe, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.

Steve Gill, managing director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “We’re thrilled to see Bournemouth Airport becoming increasingly popular as a great alternative to the busy London hubs.

“More and more people are recognising the convenience and ease of travelling from their local airport, and with the exciting developments underway, we’re ready to offer an even wider range of destinations in the year ahead.”

Bournemouth Airport is owned and operated by Regional and City Airports (RCA) – part of Rigby Group – which also operates Exeter and Norwich airports and has a management contract for Solent Airport.

• bournemouthairport.com