The start-up of new low-cost airline routes contributed to a 7.1 per cent rise in the number of passengers passing through Britain's major airports last month, it was announced yesterday.

The launch of British Airways' new no-frills carrier, Go, and Ryanair's route expansion meant a 19.4 per cent rise in Stansted airport passenger numbers. In all, 9.5 million passengers were handled at BAA's seven airports last month.