www.caa.co.uk

The Civil Aviation Authority says that UK air passenger numbers have slumped as a result of the recession. They went on to say that transatlantic travel is the biggest victim as of now.

Right now, the recession has remain the number one reason why millions of airline passengers have become grounded. They went on to say that the Transatlantic travel has seen numbers fall by almost 15%. The aviation watchdog also noted that domestic travel has suffered and seen numbers fall by 8.7%.

The largest market, which is from the UK to mainland Europe, fell by almost 7.3%. However, it still accounts for more than half of all the air journeys in the UK. This is thanks in part to the strength of the low cost carriers Ryanair and easyJet who are offering low cost airfare.

Of course, the Civil Aviation Authority is quick to point out that the recession has not brought all bad new. The economic downturn has actually improved punctuality at airports since far less crowds are flying.

In the first quarter of 2009, there were 6.4 million fewer passengers who used UK airports when compared to the same period in 2008. The number of flights also dropped by almost 50,000. However, the Civil Aviation Authority says that for the few people who are still booking flights, this downturn is great news. Prices have come down and airports are far less crowded.

Ryanair, which is now Europe’s largest short haul carrier, is cutting all fares by up to 20% this year. This is a bid to help fill its rapidly expanding fleet.

For more information visit: wwwcaa.co.org