Thomson has reported a 26% increase in departures from regional airports in the last two years.
This compares with just 11% growth from Gatwick and Heathrow.
In its Holidays Forecast 2007, it predicts that next year will see a record number of passengers flying from regional airports.
“The advantages of departing regionally are obvious. In addition, statistics prove that delays from Heathrow and Gatwick are more likely than at any other UK airport,” said the report.
Thomson also tipped the Cape Verde Islands, the West Coast of Canada, Marrakech and short breaks to Cape Town to be ‘hot’ destinations in 2007.
It says demand for the Cape Verde Islands has been so strong, it has brought forward the launch of its programme from May to February.
By Bev Fearis
