Andy-s, i agree it has seen a bad year and the decline in pax is depressing. I did mean next year so should have said 'will be growing'
Apparently we can expect to see at least 570,000 next year but there is a possibility of 620,000. This comes after XL had pulled some of their flights due to a problem with a contract with some airline over a lease.
With regards the convenience of the KLM, i have used this services on certain occasions as it has worked out cheaper and quicker than LGW, LHR and MAN.
By the way, have you seen the price of some of the KLM fares to AMS? I got a return fare Fri-Mon for £65....... cheaper than most lo-co's.