Bournemouth Airport celebrates record-breaking summer as passenger numbers soar 28%
Bournemouth Airport has recorded its busiest summer ever, with year-on-year passenger numbers up 28% to 1,084,629 in the seven months between 1st April and 31st October 2025.
The record-breaking growth, with passenger numbers up by more than 237,000, marks the strongest performance in the airport’s history and reflects a year of significant investment and expansion.
The surge has been driven largely by the arrival of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which has made Bournemouth its 12th UK base, launching 16 routes this year and establishing a major new presence in the region. Other major operators include TUI and Ryanair.
The airport is also nearing completion of the first phase of the biggest infrastructure development programme in its history, designed to accommodate the new Jet2.com base and enhance the overall passenger experience.
This year’s £17m investment programme has already delivered:
- A brand-new immigration and arrivals hall, opened in October.
- A phased expansion of the main car park, providing more than 800 extra spaces.
- New behind-the-scenes outbound baggage facility, fully operational since June.
- A dedicated check-in area for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, opened in February.
- An expanded in-flight catering unit opened in February.
The final stage of this year’s works is an expanded baggage reclaim hall featuring new, larger carousels, which is on track for completion in time for the Christmas holiday season.
In August, Bournemouth Airport also secured planning approval in principle from BCP Council for a future terminal expansion and surface transport enhancements, which will be delivered in phases in line with passenger growth over the coming years.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This has been a landmark summer for Bournemouth Airport, reflecting the strength of our partnerships and the growing appeal of our expanding route network. The arrival of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has been transformational and together with our ongoing investment programme has set the stage for a new era of growth.
“With another record-breaking year on the horizon and a long-term development plan in place, Bournemouth Airport is ideally positioned to respond to demand as more people take advantage of the growing choice of flights on their doorstep.”
Bournemouth Airport is one of the UK’s top-ranked regional airports for passenger satisfaction. In an independent customer survey published in September it was praised for its friendly staff, efficient check-in, smooth bag drop and swift security process.
Bournemouth Airport serves 48 destinations and employs around 450 staff at peak season and is part of leading UK regional airport operator, Regional & City Airports.