Bournemouth Airport has reported its best-ever year, with passenger numbers rising by 26% to 1,395,783 in the year ended 31 March 2026.
The increase of more than 289,000 passengers on the previous year (1,106,718) marks a major milestone for the airport as it prepares to mark its 85th anniversary in August.
The strong growth reflects the first full year of operations by Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which began flying from Bournemouth in February 2025 with 16 destinations.
The airport’s cargo division, Cargo First, also had a record-breaking year following significant investment in new infrastructure, and handled 37,042 tonnes of cargo, up 21% on the previous year.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This has been a record-breaking year for Bournemouth Airport and the strongest in our history.
“The growth we’ve seen reflects the fantastic support from our passengers and the continued investment and confidence shown by our airline partners. The success of Jet2’s first full year, along with Ryanair and TUI’s programmes, has significantly strengthened our route network and given customers even greater choice.
“We’ve also invested heavily in improving our facilities to ensure we continue to deliver a high-quality, efficient experience as passenger numbers grow, while also supporting growth in cargo. We are looking forward to a busy summer ahead and are delighted that more people are flying from their local airport than ever before.”
For Summer 2026, Jet2.has expanded its programme further, including Kos, in response to continued demand from holidaymakers and independent travel agents across the South Coast and surrounding areas. Overall, Jet2 will increase capacity at Bournemouth Airport by 5% this summer compared to last year, with two based aircraft operating from the airport.
Ryanair has also launched its Summer 2026 schedule from Bournemouth, offering 20 routes including a new service to Trapani in Sicily. The airline has increased frequencies on three other routes, including popular holiday destinations Alicante and Malaga, and the city break route to Edinburgh.
TUI continues to offer a strong programme from Bournemouth, with 16 routes this summer.
The year also saw Bournemouth Airport invest significantly in new facilities to support its continued growth and enhance the passenger experience. A £17 million investment programme has delivered a brand-new immigration and arrivals hall, a phased expansion of the main car park providing more than 800 additional spaces, a new outbound baggage facility, and an enlarged baggage reclaim hall featuring new, larger carousels.
The airport recently unveiled its brand new restaurant, Bourne & Acre Bar and Kitchen, transforming its former venue into a contemporary dining destination next to the main departure lounge and with around 300 covers.
Bournemouth Airport is consistently ranked among the UK’s top regional airports for passenger satisfaction. In an independent customer survey published last September, it was praised for its friendly staff, efficient check-in, smooth bag drop and swift security process.
The airport serves more than 40 destinations and employs around 450 staff during the peak summer season. It is part of leading UK regional airport operator Regional & City Airports and contributes around £200 million to the local economy each year.
It first opened as RAF Hurn in August 1941.
For a full list of destinations available from Bournemouth Airport see here.
