Easyjet channelled close to one million people through its Northern Ireland operations last year, the low-cost airline said.

While carriers such as British Airways have seen passenger numbers slump since September 11th, operators such as EasyJet are increasing traffic rapidly.

EasyJet said yesterday that total numbers grew by 36.5 per cent during December to an all-time high of 670,390 people.

The airline said numbers using its Northern services grew by about 20 per cent on its Belfast to Luton and Liverpool routes in December, while loads on Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Glasgow routes also increased.