Ostend-Bruges Airport saw a record breaking month for passenger volumes in May taking it above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

The airport welcomed a record breaking 42,000 passengers during the month, 30% more than in May 2022 and 1.2% above the volumes seen in 2019.

Chief executive Eric Dumas said: “This demonstrates the dynamism of the airport’s catchment area, which continues to grow and whose population has a high propensity to travel.”

May’s traffic included a record 39,500 passenger who travelled with TUI fly, a 32% compared to last year, and up 13% compared to 2019.

For the first time since 2019, passengers can fly to Antalya (Turkey) with almost every seat booked last month. The airport hailed the restart of the route as a “great success”.

“We’re happy to see that so many passengers find their way to Ostend-Bruges Airport. Last month we served 12 routes and over 90% of all seats were occupied.

“This demonstrates the dynamism of the airport’s catchment area, which continues to grow and whose population has a high propensity to travel”, said Dumas.

“Travellers are increasingly seeking alternatives to busy airports and Ostend-Bruges Airport can insure its passengers of a stress-free departure. We make every effort to ensure that travellers can start their holidays right here at the airport.”