Around 25,000 passengers are expected to fly out of Leeds-Bradford Airport over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Airport bosses are expecting passenger numbers to rise by about six per cent above the usual level as people travel to holiday hotspots such as Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Dalaman in Turkey and the Greek island of Corfu. Top short break destinations include Milan, Amsterdam and Dublin.

The new Titanic Exhibition at the slipway where the doomed ship was built in Belfast and commemorating the sinking of the liner 100 years ago, is also proving a popular choice with city break passengers.

Tony Hallwood, LBA commercial director, said: “We are delighted to see so many passengers take advantage of the long-weekend Bank Holiday with an end-of-summer beach or city break.

“We also look forward to welcoming inbound visitors to experience the region's destinations, rich culture and famous hospitality.”

The airport is marking its 80th anniversary this year and investing £11 million in developing its main terminal, including new retail and catering outlets.