BOURNEMOUTH Airport has welcomed its one millionth passenger in 2024 as it celebrates a bumper year and looks forward to even bigger growth in 2025.  

The major milestone was marked in style as the millionth passenger was surprised with champagne and flowers by airport managing director Steve Gill and customer service director Cathy Hicks. 

Lisa Gray and her partner Paul arrived on a flight from Faro in Portugal to the surprise reception.  

Lisa said: "We love Bournemouth Airport. It’s our local airport, we live three miles away. It’s super-easy and super-friendly.” 

It's the first time since 2008 that the airport will see more than a million passengers in a year and follows a bumper summer season.

Between April and October 840,210 passengers used Bournemouth Airport, an increase of nearly 103,000 compared to the same period last year. 

And bosses are already preparing for a further surge in numbers in 2025. 

Steve said: “We’re thrilled to see Bournemouth Airport becoming increasingly popular as the premier airport on the south coast and a great alternative to the busy London hubs.  

“More and more people are recognising the convenience and ease of travelling from their local airport, and with the exciting developments under way, we’re looking forward to an even wider range of destinations in the year ahead.” 

The rise in passenger numbers and anticipated future growth comes after a series of new route and investment announcements by the airport and airlines. 

In recent months, Hurn’s airport has seen TUI up its operation with the arrival of a second aeroplane to add an extra 60,000 seats. 

Ryanair has also recently announced three new routes – Crete, Rhodes and Fuerteventura – to up its offering to 23. 

And Jet2 will be landing for the first time ever at Hurn while offering 20 routes across Europe, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. 

To support its ongoing growth, Bournemouth Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound enhancement programme led by its owners Regional and City Airports. 

The airport, which employs around 300 people, is also a key air cargo hub for e-commerce and plays an increasingly important role supporting the region's wider aviation sector with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft.  

The neighbouring Aviation Business Park is also home to over 200 national and international businesses.