Politicians expressed concern last night over the impact on Prestwick Airport of the collapse of its main charter operator

Politicians expressed concern last night over the impact on Prestwick Airport of the collapse of its main charter operator.

While the 70,000 tourists that Seguro Holidays put through the Ayrshire hub last year represent around 4% of its total passenger numbers, they have played a key role in maintaining growth in a shrinking market.

In June, as rival airport operator BAA saw a 4.7% drop across its UK network in its European charter passengers, Prestwick enjoyed a 36% hike in the number of charter passengers, contributing to an overall 3% year-on-year passenger increase, owners Infratil reported.

Mark Rodwell, chief executive of Prestwick Airport, expressed optimism yesterday that Seguro's collapse would not have a long-term impact on passenger numbers and that the charter market remained strong.

He said: "While charter flights out of Glasgow Prestwick represent only a very small percentage of our overall traffic, the demand for charter holidays remains strong and it is unfortunate that Seguro and their passengers have suffered due to circumstances outwith their control.

"There is a wide selection of exciting destinations available from Glasgow Prestwick that may provide an alternative holiday solution for Seguro passengers still wishing to travel abroad for their holidays."

A source at the airport said later that, while it was too soon to speculate on whether a replacement for Seguro would be found, managers were confident that there would not be a shortage of bidders.

"We have a business development team who are always talking to schedule and chartered airlines. There's a lot of dialogue going on - they're probably going to have to step up a gear," he said.

Prestwick has undergone a massive expansion over the past decade, largely due to the success of its main airline, the Irish operator Ryanair.

An estimated 2.3 million passengers will go through Prestwick this year, with forecasts rising to 2.5 million next year - though a spokesman for the airport conceded this figure may have to be revised.

Aileen Campbell, the SNP regional list MSP, said that Seguro's collapse illustrated the "dramatically changing circumstances of the aviation market".

She added: "Although Seguro's 70,000 passengers are only a fraction of the 2.3 million who pass through (Prestwick) airport each year, it will still have to work hard to replace those customers. "While I am sure Prestwick will continue to show resilience to the slowdown other airports have seen, I will be working with my parliamentary colleagues in the South of Scotland to make sure we provide whatever support we can to help Prestwick adapt to the loss of these passengers."

John Scott, the Conservative MSP for Ayr, whose constituency includes Prestwick Airport, said: "Prestwick Airport is, in my view, Scotland's best airport and a vital part of the Ayrshire economy. While this will be a blow to them, I don't believe it will have a significant impact on its trading figures."

A spokeswoman for Scottish Enterprise said: "This is obviously disappointing news for Seguro Holidays but Prestwick airport continues to be one of Scotland's busiest airports and a hub for the country's aerospace industry."