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The number of travellers passing through regional airports on an annual basis has exceeded 100m for the first time, according to the latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Statistics released by the group show that regional travel hubs handled 42 per cent of passengers at UK airports in 2006 and saw growth of 4% in the year, compared to the 2.5% expansion seen in London.

International scheduled services have contributed most to success at regional airports, with a twofold increase in passenger numbers between 2002 and 2006.

Daily scheduled flights to 12 or more international destinations are now available from eight regional hubs, compared to just two – Birmingham and Manchester – in 1990.

Direct services to the US can now be accessed from six local airports and flights to the Middle East are available from four regional locations across the UK.

Such development has put local travel hubs 'firmly on the map for travel to and from the regions they serve', according to Harry Bush, group director of economic regulation for the CAA.

'There are connections to business as well as leisure destinations in Europe and further afield - including services to hub airports in Europe, the US and Middle East which allow numerous onward connections,' he added.

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