Passenger figures for air and sea links have increased in 2017.

A total of 807,426 passengers passed through the airport last year, breaking the previous record in 2005 - the best year this century - by 772.

The annual statistics published by the Department of Infrastructure also show that a total of 614,456 passengers passed through the island’s sea ports, which is an increase of 17,438 (2.9%) compared with 2016.

Tim Baker MHK, DoI member with responsibility for ports, said: ’Our air and sea links with the UK are absolutely vital to the economic and social wellbeing of the Isle of Man.

’The record-breaking performance at the airport is very encouraging and continues the upwards trend in passenger numbers. We will continue to work with our carriers to build on these impressive figures in the years ahead.’

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK welcomed the strong demand as a positive indicator for the economy.

The performance of the island’s main markets has contributed to the 2017 figure, which represents a rise of 3,603 passengers (0.45%) compared with 2016.

North West air routes recorded a new high of 397,300 passengers, with Liverpool having an increase of 16,600 and Manchester with 7,000 during the year.

The number of air travellers, who used the London routes, increased to more than 250,000 overall, with 10,200 more passengers flying to the capital than in the previous 12 months.

This figure was boosted by the start of summer flights to Luton, which will resume from the end of March, and an increase of 14,300 passengers on the Gatwick route.

Although CityWing’s closure affected some smaller regional routes, other operators stepped in to provide new destinations.

Ann Reynolds, director of ports, said: ’The continued strength of the North West market is particularly encouraging and the figures demonstrate that air and sea routes can grow side by side.

’The airlines have added capacity and frequency on major routes to reflect demand and stimulate new business.

’In terms of our sea services, Liverpool moved ahead of Heysham in 2017 to become the most popular destination for ferry passengers.’

Statistics show that nearly 584,000 people travelled on scheduled ferry sailings, representing 94.9% of the overall figure and an increase of 3.4% on the previous year.

The Liverpool route carried almost 21,700 more passengers than Heysham, while the Dublin sailings saw an increase of 23% and Belfast sailings with a 11.6% increase.