Passengers Flee From London Airports

We're flying less: it's official. Figures from BAA show falling passenger numbers during 2008, dropping off sharply towards the end of the year as economic gloom began to bite. Comparing December 2007 to 2008, Heathrow's passenger numbers were down 2.3%, Gatwick down 13.8% and Stansted down 13% (probably explained by Ryanair and Easyjet grounding a bunch of flights). It's hard to tell whether these stats reflect a temporary blip caused by the recession or a general trend away from flying, but with the decision on the third runway in the offing we're sure both sides of the expansion argument will be keen to use the numbers for their own ends. (Image / osde8info)