Traffic Climbs Dramatically at Frankfurt Airport

The Frankfurt International Airport on Wednesday reported above-average growth in passenger numbers, continuing the trend at the German airport, one of the world's largest. During the first quarter of 2004, the airport reported a 6.8 percent increase in passenger traffic and a 6.4 percent hike in cargo. But growth continued to increase dramatically in April and May, with 12 percent more passengers than in April 2003 and an 11 percent increase over May of last year. Cargo traffic meanwhile, increased during the last two months by 13 and 16 percent respectively. Fraport, the company responsible for operating the airport, said Wednesday it was on track to drawing more than 50 million passengers this year -- the greatest number ever recorded and an increase of 4 percent over 2003. The company said it believed the airline industry is on the verge of a major new growth phase.