By Brian Smith, aviation reporter

PASSENGER NUMBERS at Dundee Airport in June increased by 6% compared to June 2007, to a total of 7000.

The growth is significant as June is the first directly comparable month when services were operating to London City, Birmingham and Belfast.

Flybe restarted the Birmingham and Belfast services on May 21, taking over the routes founded by flyWhoosh on May 30 last year and operated by it until it withdrew in December.

Airport manager Graeme Bell said, “We are delighted with the performance for June.

“The 6% growth was a result of the passenger numbers on the City Jet and Logan-air/Flybe services at the airport. The summer programme of Jersey charters also began last month and this has contributed to the year- on-year increases.”

Chairman of Loganair Scott Grier said, “The Birmingham route specific- ally caters for business passengers, where punctuality and reliability are integral to the route’s success.

“I am pleased to be able to report that we have achieved an excellent performance for both on this route.”

Dundee City Council’s economic development convener Councillor Joe Morrow said, “This increase in flights at Dundee Airport shows the continuing importance of the facility to the city’s economy.

“Both business and leisure travellers are benefiting from the range of new routes that are now available.”

Dundee has also seen busy business traffic with small jet and turbo- prop aircraft becoming a familiar sight on the apron.

Mr Bell said, “The airport’s executive jet business is strong over the summer months with a combination of domestic and international private aircraft movements.”