Palma.The Balearics' three airports handled a total of 6.9 million passengers during the first nine months of this year, 11.9 percent more than last year and more than any other region in Spain.
According to data released by the Ministry for Tourism and Commerce in Madrid yesterday, low cost airlines now account for a 57.5 percent share of Spain's total air travel market. A total of 29 million people have flown to Spain using a low cost operator this year, 14 percent more than in 2010.
But, by the end of September, Palma's Son San Joan was the country's busiest low cost airport having handled 5.3 million travellers, 12 percent more than last year.
The UK continues to be the dominant low cost market.
10.7 million Britons have flown to Spain this year on board a low cost carrier enjoying a 37 percent share of the country's overall market.
Germany is the second largest market with 5.8 million low cost passengers - a 20 percent market share - followed by Italy.
But, according to the report, this year there has also been significant growth in the Swedish, French, Dutch and Portuguese no frills markets.
But, the British share of the market could shrink next year because cash-strapped British families and businesses are set to make up to 8.6 million fewer flights in 2012 as punishing air taxes make fares unaffordable.
Research unveiled over the weekend showed most airlines believe the number of passengers will drop by up to five per cent in 2012 due to higher air passenger duty.
More than a quarter of airlines think the impact of a rise in the tax, on top of the added cost of a European green scheme, will be even greater, pricing more families out of flying.