Regional airports allow passengers easy airport access

Regional airports in the UK boost the economy of the surrounding area, the British Air Transport Association (Bata) has said, generating income which is often "very good" for local growth.

But for the customer, too, the convenience of flying from a destination near their home or place of work makes the proliferation of UK regional hubs, " allowing people to fly directly from point A in this country to point A in another country", a major benefit, commented Bata spokesperson Neal Weston.

With 72 per cent of the population flying at least once a year and 21 per cent flying over four times yearly, according to a YouGov survey carried out last October, the demand for both cheap and premium flights is high.

Some business passengers will opt for 'no-frills' flights, particularly for short-haul travel to Europe, Mr Weston remarked, although additional comforts such as extra leg room and better in-flight catering remain a draw for others who gravitate towards business or premium tickets.

Airport location tends to determine the composition of flights, he added, with a high proportion of business travellers between London and Frankfurt, but more holidaymakers travelling from Birmingham Airport to Malaga.