Air travel at highest since September 11

A Mmassive increase in low-fare flights has taken air travel above its pre-September 11 level for the first time, it was revealed today.

This month, airlines will operate more than 2.27million flights worldwide - 111,000 more than in April last year and 45,000 more than in April 2001, five months before the US terror attacks.

There will be 30 per cent more lowcost flights to and from the UK this month compared with last April, according to travel data company OAG.

Low-cost airlines now account for 12 per cent of all scheduled flights and this month will make 300,000 flights.

"The international aviation industry can draw considerable comfort from these figures," said Duncan Alexander, managing director of OAG business development. "After two truly turbulent years in 2002 and 2003, the world's airlines have clawed their way back to pre-September 11 levels.

"The low-cost phenomenon continues to break all records. Compared with this time last year, low-fare airlines are operating 19 per cent more flights and offering 20 per cent more seats."