Early bookings for Leeds Bradford International Air-port's summer charter programme have soared six per cent above the combined average for all other UK airports.

And people who couldn't wait for summer and chose to take winter short-break holidays on the continent, helped to boost the airport's passenger total in January to 86,715 - up 2.9 per cent on the same month last year.

One of the larger increases was on Sabena's Brussels service which carried 6,980 in the month, a 22.82 per cent increase which has led the Belgian airline to introduce a larger capacity jet onto its last flight of the day from Brussels.

January's total of 86,715 passengers using the airport included 62,471 on scheduled services - up 3.9 per cent - and 24,244 on inclusive tours, a 0.3 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, KLM uk has announced it will be extending its special price promotion on fares from the airport to Amsterdam. The company says the decision follows "an overwhelming response" to the £89 return flight offer. Bookings must be made by Wednesday.

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