Drop in air passenger numbers during 2012

There was a slight drop in air passenger figures at Ronaldsway last year.

It handled 705,993 passengers, about 5,000 fewer than 2011 - a fall of less than 1%.

Two-thirds of the 21 routes operated saw declines, although there were some positives.

Flights to London were up 12.7%, while Liverpool saw a near-5% increase.

Airport Director Ann Reynolds says, "The last two or three months have shown more promise, but primarily in the major markets of London and the North West.

"Other regional routes continue to have a tough time, and there is little sign of an underlying improvement yet."