Figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority show Cardiff Airport passenger numbers have grown by six per cent to total 134,173 in July compared to the same month last year. 

This follows nine per cent growth in May and ten per cent growth in June.

The rolling year comparison shows passenger numbers rising over the million passenger mark to 1,016,603 for the period August 2012 to July 2013.

August has also started well with the first week recording an increase of 17 per cent over the same week in 2012.

The airlines which showed the strongest growth were Vueling, Air Malta, and Aer Lingus.

The increased schedule introduced by Vueling shows passenger growth soaring over 2012 due to the new three times a week service to Malaga and Alicante.

Barcelona also proved popular increasing over the same time last year.

Commenting on the figures, Jon Horne, chief executive, Cardiff Airport said: “This is really positive news and it is great to see passenger numbers growing once again. 

“It is a relatively small start, but we are confident there is a trend established and the beginning of our strategy to win back those passengers that have been lost to Bristol and other airports in England.

“The challenge for us is straightforward, if we bring back the choice of flights, people will choose Cardiff again and this is what is happening. 

“The point has been proved by Vueling, whose capacity has increased by 97 per cent in 2013 compared to last year and people are responding to that choice.”