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The impact of severe weather on ferry services in December meant a 75% boost in air freight traffic between the Isle of Man and the UK, new figures show.

Official airport statistics also show a passenger increase of more than 8,000 compared with figures in December 2010.

The airport saw total of 710,791 passengers in 2011 which is 27,801 more than the previous year.

Airport director Anne Reynolds said despite the tough times, passenger numbers had continued increasing.

She added: "Despite the extended decline in recent years, of key importance we have continued to retain almost all of our scheduled routes.

"In addition to this we have recently seen a healthy increase in charter traffic - 30% in 2011 - and together this provides a firm basis for future growth."

Thirteen out of the 18 scheduled routes from Ronaldsway airport saw an increase in passengers during December.

Liverpool traffic rose by almost 37% with more than 4,000 extra passengers using the Flybe and easyJet services.

Other big increases included routes to London Gatwick and London City Airport with Flybe and Aer Arann, which both saw passenger numbers increase between 17% and 20%.