Manchester Airport has seen a record 27 million people pass through its three terminals in the last 12 months. 

The UK’s third largest airport passed the milestone for the first time in its 79 year history. 

More than 2.75m passengers flew in and out of the airport in June – an increase of nine per cent on June 2016.

June saw the one year anniversary of the Hainan Airlines service to Beijing and it also saw Cathay Pacific increase its flights to Hong Kong to five per week.

Collette Roche, acting managing director for Manchester Airport, said: “Passing 27 million passengers is another significant milestone for the airport. 

“The last 12 months has seen a host of new long haul routes and as we move into the busy summer season we’re looking forward to welcoming even more passengers through our terminals.

“Our continued growth of passengers and destinations clearly highlights the role we play in UK aviation and as the global entry and exit point of the Northern Powerhouse.

“This is further reinforced by the strong financial results issued today by MAG.”

Due to the extra demand aircraft movements were also up in the last 12 months by 11 per cent, meaning more than 200,000 planes took off and landed on the airport’s two full length runways.

The 27m passenger milestone has been met as MAG releases its 2016/17 financial results, which sees the UK’s largest airport group deliver a sixth consecutive year of growth.

For the 12 months ending 31st March 2017 MAG saw growth across all of its airports with total passenger numbers for the year up to 55.9 million, an increase of 7.7 per cent.

The continued growth led to the group paying a 21.7 per cent higher dividend compared to the previous year of £140.9 million.