Passenger numbers
The 25.9% drop in passenger figures were indeed those for February 2009 compared with February 2008.
As has been said, the main contributors were charter flights (down 37%) and sched (ie mainly easyJet who reduced many frequencies this winter).
Overall, atms were down just under 21% for the month.
The figures are clearly poor but not a huge surprise in the present economic situation.
There are also some 'extenuating circumstances', viz one less day in Feb 2009 than in Feb 2008 (which of course applies to all airports) and the snow and ice that closed BRS for nearly a whole day in Feb and for parts of other days in that month.
Putting matters into context, of the twenty largest UK airports measured by passenger numbers only four are in positive territory for the rolling 12-month period ending 28 Feb 09 - BHD up 11.6%, LCY up 6.4%, BHX up 3.6% and BRS up 1.3%.
The slump in passenger numbers came later at BRS than at many UK airports with monthly passenger increases occurring into early autumn 2008.
The year 2008 as a whole saw over 6.2 million passengers handled, up nearly 6% on 2007. Only five other 'top twenty' UK airports saw more passengers in 2008 than in 2007.
It's only since the winter programme commenced that the downturn has set in.
It might be hoped by 'supporters' that that this will mean the airport will be amongst the first to benefit when the economic recovery sets in.