The number of passengers travelling between Ireland and the Continent has grown strongly this year, with air fares across all categories up by between 1 and 4 per cent.

According to the American Express European Airfare Index, the increase in air fares in Ireland in the first three months of 1996, was due to the growing number of people travelling to Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Brussels.

Overall, the index shows that air fares within western Europe in business and economy classes rose by 2 per cent in the first three months of 1996, compared with the previous quarter. Discount economy class fares increased by 1 per cent.

Set up in 1995, the index monitors flights departing from 51 European cities, tracking round trip fares in all classes.