LEEDS Bradford International Airport is celebrating after seeing two million passengers pass through its gates in 2003.

It represented a record year which makes it one of the country's fastest growing regional airports.

It was a welcome tonic after suffering during the previous 12 months from the after effects of the terrorist attack on New York in 2001.

Airport managing director, Ed Anderson, has welcomed the latest figures which he puts down to the success of low budget airline jet2.com.

He said: "This represents growth of 32 per cent over the previous year and is due in no small part to our new low cost airline jet2.com, which commenced operations last February."

During the last year, the airport has seen continuous development aimed at improving facilities for its customers.

And in April a new check-in area will be completed at Yeadon that will provide 16 more check-in desks - taking it to 42.

Mr Anderson added: "It was pleasing to hear the government White Paper envisages a greater role for regional airports over the coming years, including the continuing growth and development of Leeds Bradford Airport."