For the second year running Southampton Airport has seen a two million passengers pass through the terminal.

The airport's managing director described it as as "incredible year" but it has been a 12 months of ups and downs for the airport, which supports around 1,000 jobs.

The release of the figure comes hard on the heels of news that one of the airport's main operators, Flybe, was on its uppers and is currently the subject of a takeover by Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group, in a deal worth just £2.8 million which will net shareholders just 1p per share.

At the end of last year it was also announced that Dutch airline KLM, which offered a wide range of connecting flights via Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, was pulling out of Southampton.

Southampton Aiport MD, Neil Garwood said: "I am excited to see very strong passenger numbers, which shows commitment of our passengers to use their local airport. We’ve had an incredible year at Southampton Airport and are confidently looking forward as we shape our future."

Last year saw the introduction of the airport’s first ever Greek route to Skiathos with Fly Lolo as well as the return of the popular route to Geneva with easyJet.

The airport has also recently published its draft Master Plan which details the development of the airport over the next twenty years, including a lengthening of the runway and an extension termminal.

This year the airport is will welcome back Fly LoLo, with seven new routes to Greece, Spain, Montenegro, Croatia and Bulgaria.