Southampton airline Flybe is now claiming to be the UK's third largest budget carrier after a surge in passenger numbers in the past six months.

One of the major reasons for Flybe's growth has been the launch of the airline's new hub at Southampton Airport.

Flybe moved to Southampton at the end of last year and more than 70,000 reservations were made within the first month. The airline says it now carries 3.6 million passengers annually on its network, which embraces 17 regional and 20 international destinations.