Props to the rugby

Passenger numbers at Edinburgh Airport increased by eleven per-cent last month as the Six Nations rugby tournament saw fans flying into the capital.

A total of 939,412 passengers came through the airport in February, up from 846,502 on the same month last year, with strong new route growth and season extensions also contributing. It's the busiest February on record at Edinburgh Airport.

Last February also saw Beast from the East and Ryanair’s decision to pause the Stansted route impact on passenger numbers.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:

“Passenger numbers have rebounded well since last February and we said at the time we were confident they would because our appeal both in terms of outward and inward tourism remains strong. Clearly no heavy days of snow has been welcomed and we always see an influx of rugby fans who see Edinburgh and Murrayfield as a must visit destination and stadium.

“We should also take confidence in the fact that the continuity of flights no matter the Brexit outcome has been guaranteed and that should allow passengers to plan with confidence. But we should still be looking to give ourselves the best possible outlook by cutting APD and showing that we remain open and an attractive destination.”