April 2011 traffic figures show 25.6% jump on previous year due to ash cloud effect
17 May 2011
The number of UK flights increased by 25.6% in April 2011, in comparison to the same month the previous year when traffic was severely affected by volcanic ash. However, the estimated underlying change for the month, ignoring the impact of the volcano, was a decrease of 0.4%.
Figures were also affected by the additional Bank Holiday and the fact that there were two fewer working days in April 2011 than April 2010. Both factors would tend to reduce traffic volume.
All centres and markets show similarly large growth rates due to comparison against last year’s very low numbers.
| Apr 2011 | Apr 2010 | % gr | 2011 to Date | 2010 to Date | % gr | |
| UK FLIGHTS | 178,360 | 141,956 | 25.6% | 660,124 | 614,259 | 7.5% |
| CENTRES | ||||||
| Swanwick | 154,577 | 123,429 | 25.2% | 568,572 | 529,083 | 7.5% |
| Prestwick | 71,114 | 56,811 | 25.2% | 265,158 | 248,687 | 6.6% |
| London Area Control | 148,440 | 117,492 | 26.3% | 543,172 | 501,295 | 8.4% |
| London Terminal Control | 101,637 | 82,157 | 23.7% | 385,334 | 361,369 | 6.6% |
| Manchester Area Control Centre | 36,767 | 30,285 | 21.4% | 136,365 | 130,721 | 4.3% |
| Scottish Area Control Centre | 43,428 | 34,111 | 27.3% | 164,761 | 153,367 | 7.4% |
| Oceanic Area Control Centre (Shanwick) | 33,318 | 27,289 | 22.1% | 121,902 | 114,214 | 6.7% |
| MARKET | ||||||
| Transatlantic Arrivals/Departures | 10,477 | 8,284 | 26.5% | 38,714 | 35,474 | 9.1% |
| Transatlantic Overflights | 15,906 | 12,217 | 30.2% | 58,365 | 52,264 | 11.7% |
| Other Arrivals/Departures | 110,990 | 87,005 | 27.6% | 403,509 | 371,242 | 8.7% |
| Other Overflights | 8,588 | 6,367 | 34.9% | 30,690 | 28,489 | 7.7% |
| Domestic | 31,850 | 27,693 | 15.0% | 127,290 | 125,315 | 1.6% |