During the last 12 months, 19.81 million passengers travelled through Manchester Airport, delivering an extra 680,000 people more than the last financial year - equalling a 3.6 per cent year on year growth.

The increase in passenger numbers has been attributed to the fourteen new destinations, including Washington DC and Moscow that were added to the route network during that time, while new destinations are being added for the summer.

Passengers are also continuing to choose Manchester over other airports, recognising the broad range of destinations and offers from scheduled carriers, low cost and the charter market.

The new routes, as well as the existing list of destinations, deliver global connectivity for the 22 million people living within two hours of Manchester Airport, underlining its national importance as a global enabler of trade and economic growth.

March 2013 alone saw an increase of 6.23 per cent with 1,448,018 million passengers March 2012. 

This increase in passengers marks the airport’s 11th consecutive month of year on year growth.

The overall load factor - which shows how full the average flight was - reached 78 per cent in March 2013, which was four per cent up on March 2012.

Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer for Manchester Airports Group, owners of Manchester Airport, said: “During the last financial year, we experienced the highest growth of any major airport in the UK. 

“This growth has been driven by a combination of new routes, increased frequency and stronger overall load factors. 

“In particular we have delivered new routes to key global markets which in line with our objectivity of making the North of England better connected for business and tourism.

“The summer schedule is already well populated with new routes to Russia, Egypt and Greece so we are confident of adding further growth, handling in excess of 20 million passengers.”