Passenger numbers at Aer Lingus were more than 25 per cent lower last month compared to December 2009.
The airline's total booked passenger numbers were 572,000 in December. Figures released this morning show that short-haul numbers fell by 27.3 per cent to 504,000 in December. Long-haul passengers were less affected, falling by 6.8 per cent to 68,000.
While the figures refer to booked passenger numbers, the actual level of passengers carriers was 8 per cent below the level of booked passengers due to flight cancellations and disruption arising from poor weather conditions in the month.
Booked load factor increased by 2.7 points on December 2009 to 74.6 per cent, with short haul load factors increasing by 2.7 points to 73.2 per cent. Long haul booked passengers fell by 6.8 per cent. Capacity decreased by 31.9 per cent as a result of weather-related disruptions and planned year-on-year reductions at London Gatwick, Dublin and Cork the airline said.
Long haul booked load factor was 76.6 per cent, a decrease of 0.2 points on December 2009, with capacity decreasing by 6.6 per cent.
Separately, Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus have announced new services between Dublin and Cork to Rennes for Summer 2011. The Jersey - Cork route will also recommence on 20th April.
Aer Lingus was trading marginally lower this lunchtime at €1.043.