Welcoming 1.6 million more passengers last year than in 2015, Cologne Bonn Airport experienced an exceptional 15 per cent passenger traffic growth in 2016.

As a result, the airport saw a total of 11.9 million passengers travelling last year.

Recording the best-ever year in terms of throughput in the history of the airport, Cologne Bonn rounded off 2016 recording new highs for both passenger traffic and cargo.

Commenting on the landmark results, Michael Garvens, chairman of the management board, Cologne Bonn, said: “Last year was an excellent year for us.

“Cologne Bonn was the fastest growing airport of all the major German airports, reaching new levels of passenger and cargo numbers.

“We strive to maintain these figures throughout this year.”

A large share of the record growth can be attributed to Eurowings’ new low-cost long-haul routes - it currently operating 14 long-haul flights to Asia, the Caribbean, and the US from Cologne Bonn - the Lufthansa group carrier is already set to launch four further links in summer 2017, namely Windhoek, Las Vegas, Orlando and Seattle.

With the growth of the low-cost carriers also considerably boosting the airport’s development, Ryanair’s notable expansion over the last 12 months means the airline served 21 destinations in summer from Cologne Bonn.

In addition to excellent passenger traffic results throughout 2016, last year’s cargo volume reached an all-time high at Cologne Bonn with the airport handling in excess of 786,000 tonnes, a four per cent year-on-year increase.