Regional airports in the UK are improving choice and convenience for local people, and are allowing a greater number of older holidaymakers to travel long-haul.
An example is Southampton Airport, which serves 45 destinations and sees 1.9 million passengers pass through its gates each year. Airlines based there include Flybe, Eastern Airways and Blue Islands.
“Our 14 airline and tour operator partners provide choice and convenience for local people,” said a spokesperson for the airport.
“The airport offers passenger facilities and services that are designed to make the whole experience quick, easy and enjoyable for business and leisure passengers alike.”
She pointed out that there are about three million people living within an hour of Southampton Airport, meaning that many holidaymakers don’t have to trek all the way to London to take a flight.
In particular, the convenience of local airports and range of destinations on offer from them is encouraging more elderly people to fly to far-flung places.
A spokesperson for service provider Saga said: “I think having more options about who to fly with and which airport to fly from has encouraged more people to travel long-haul.”
The increased availability of cheap flights has also led to more over-50s deciding to retire abroad, she added.
