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Passenger expansion at Cardiff Airport is continuing its upwards trajectory with a 40% year-on-year rise in April.

The Rhoose-based airport, which is owned by the Welsh Government, said it has now experienced 11 consecutive months of passenger growth.

The latest rolling year figure to the end of April was 1.25 million - the highest figure since 2011, although still way short of the historic high of 2.2 million achieved under TBI ownership back in 2007.

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Cardiff Airport in figures

Month 2015-16 % growth from previous year Passenger numbers June 12% 133,137 July 8% 139,805 August 10% 149,230 September 21% 150,477 October 62% 149,823 November 32% 65,040 December 56% 64,220 January 42% 59,715 February 68% 75,055 March 29% 78,413 April 40% 80,545

Last month saw the re-commencement of popular summer routes including Palma with Thomson.

April also saw the start of a new Flybe route to the historic Italian city of Verona.

Low-cost Spanish airline Vueling has responded to the demand by increasing its summer programme of flights from Cardiff by some 40%, meaning greater capacity on flights to Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma Majorca.

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Ryanair has doubled its capacity at Cardiff Airport on winter flights to Tenerife, with a second weekly flight departing on Thursday to complement the existing Monday route.

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Managing director of Cardiff Airport Debra Barber said:"It’s very encouraging to see yet another month of passenger growth.

Summer is just around the corner and we’re off to a great start, with a number of popular holiday destinations available on our 18 airlines including Spain, Malta, the Canaries, Bulgaria and the Algarve.

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“In May we’ll also be unveiling our new-look departures area and officially opening Caffè Ritazza and the Beer House airside catering facilities.

"We remain committed to delivering an enjoyable customer experience and proudly fly the flag for Wales every day of the year.”