Passenger numbers up as EMA prepares for holiday rush

Nottingham/East Midlands Airport (EMA) handled more passengers in November as holidaymakers embarked on winter getaways.

A total of 373,479 people passed through the hub last month, representing a 15.4 per cent increase on November 2006.

Low-cost airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and bmibaby launched new services from Nottingham in November, fuelling growth of 18.1 per cent in scheduled routes available from the airport.

Some 5.03 million people travelled through EMA in the first 11 months of the year, a 14 per cent rise on the corresponding period of 2006.

As more people prepare to jet off to international destinations for their Christmas holidays, the airport will be assuming a festive character, with carol concerts, holiday competitions and other initiatives being organised.

Airport manager John Doherty said: "December is a great time to travel from the Airport as we get into the festive spirit with a Christmas holiday competition as well as our annual carol concert, which is run by the Airport Chaplaincy team."