Airport figures reveal massive drop in passenger numbers across region as travel restrictions eased

The number of passengers travelling through our regions airports in the last 12 months has dropped significantly compared to the same time the year before.

Leeds and Bradford Airport has seen a decrease of nearly 90 per cent while Humberside has seen passenger numbers fall by 85 per cent.

The figures have been revealed as changes to travel rules were announced overnight (Wednesday 24 July). Fully vaccinated passengers will no longer have to quarantine after returning from France and the number of countries on the green list will rise from 29 to 36. The changes will come into effect at 4am on Sunday 8th August.

The transport secretary Grant Shapps said holiday-makers should be able to travel without fear of being caught out by changing rules.

"Thanks to the incredible vaccination programme, people have a wall of protection as well which has enabled us to be able to say now these are the changes we're making, we're not expecting to make more changes through August, of course I can't make it a hundred per cent guarantee, but we do want people to be able to go away, relax, enjoy their holidays and we'll come back at the next review which is not for another three weeks to make any further changes."

Big parts of the travel industry say business remains challenging.

Ashleigh Pederson, from Andrew Earle's Holidays, said she can understand why people are not traveling at the minute.

Independent travel agent Sharon May says adding more tourist destinations such as Dubai to the amber list will be a boost. 

She said the industry still needs some support but they are seeing progress and things are starting to happen.

She added it may be too late for some companies but it was definitely 'progress in the right direction.'

  • If travelling abroad, you need to take steps to keep safe and prepare in case things change before you go or while you are there.

  • Check and subscribe to FCDO travel advice updates to understand the latest entry requirements and COVID-19 rules - and passengers are advised to check all entry requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel.