2013 busiest ever year at Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen Airport enjoyed its busiest ever year. Picture: CaptainScarlet (CC)

More than 3.48 million people passed through the North east’s main airline hub last year, according to new figures released today.

It was the busiest year in the airport’s history, beating the previous record high of 3.43 million in 2007, set before the economic downturn.

Carole Benzie, the airport’s managing director, said: “Throughout 2013 we were aware that the whole team was putting in a great performance, and it is therefore very pleasing to see us record such a high passenger figure.

“What this represents is a recovery from the recession which hit the whole of the UK aviation sector, some more than others. We have recovered and then improved upon that performance as a result of great team-work and the continued buoyancy of our region.”

She continued: “Of course, 2014 is set to be as challenging as it is exciting. Our terminal redevelopment plans will be getting underway in earnest and we will be working hard to add to our leisure portfolio. We will be challenging all the relevant authorities on issues including surface access to our airport and the burden placed on passengers by Air Passenger Duty.”

The results reveal that last month alone passenger numbers increased by 8.1 per cent to 261,445, with growth in both the fixed-wing and helicopter operations. In 2013 the number of passengers using the airport totalled 3,488,407, including 517,526 helicopter passengers. The total represents a 3.79 per cent rise on the previous year.