British airports operator BAA today reported a slight rise in July passenger numbers from last year's figures but said foot-and-mouth disease was still affecting its main markets.
July's growth compares to a strong month last year but is still affected by the continued impact of the foot-and-mouth outbreak on inbound leisure travel, BAA said in a statement.
The group said the effects of foot-and-mouth, combined with US economic slowdown, led to a 3.5 per cent drop in passenger numbers at Heathrow, the world's busiest international airport.