October air traffic figures show 0.9% growth
The number of flights handled by NATS in the UK’s controlled airspace last month was 0.9 per cent higher than the total for October 2009.
Controllers managed 192,958 flights in October compared to 191,160 for the same month last year, the first time since June 2008 that monthly figures have recorded an increase. However, summer flight schedules were in place for six days longer than last year, which partly explains the rise.
Overall, traffic at NATS airports decreased by 0.3 per cent except Heathrow, which saw a rise of 5.8 per cent; Southampton (4.7 per cent); Bristol (2.9 per cent) and Edinburgh (2.3 per cent).
Strikes by French air traffic controllers led to a number of flights to and from France and some overflights, notably to Spain, being cancelled.
| Oct2010 | Oct2009 | % gr | 2010 to Date | 2009 to Date | % gr | |
| UK FLIGHTS | 192,958 | 191,160 | 0.9% | 1,803,442 | 1,886,013 | -4.4% |
| CENTRES | ||||||
| Swanwick | 166,672 | 165,169 | 0.9% | 1,559,459 | 1,630,104 | -4.3% |
| Prestwick | 79,912 | 79,575 | 0.4% | 738,223 | 790,575 | -6.6% |
| London Area Control | 159,303 | 156,607 | 1.7% | 1,487,822 | 1,550,626 | -4.1% |
| London Terminal Control | 108,766 | 109,390 | -0.6% | 1,027,196 | 1,073,012 | -4.3% |
| Manchester Area Control Centre | 41,631 | 42,809 | -2.8% | 388,654 | 421,428 | -7.8% |
| Scottish Area Control Centre | 48,898 | 48,017 | 1.8% | 448,245 | 475,727 | -5.8% |
| Oceanic Area Control Centre (Shanwick) | 35,775 | 32,782 | 9.1% | 328,166 | 333,360 | -1.6% |
| MARKET | ||||||
| Transatlantic Arrivals/Departures | 10,916 | 10,209 | 6.9% | 101,829 | 104,877 | -2.9% |
| Transatlantic Overflights | 17,549 | 15,585 | 12.6% | 157,927 | 160,091 | -1.4% |
| Other Arrivals/Departures | 118,584 | 118,255 | 0.3% | 1,110,434 | 1,157,149 | -4.0% |
| Other Overflights | 8,503 | 8,748 | -2.8% | 83,570 | 92,551 | -9.7% |
| Domestic | 36,977 | 38,006 | -2.7% | 344,697 | 367,541 | -6.2% |