Airports operator BAA reported an rise in passenger numbers today as the impact of the foot-and-mouth outbreak eased.
BAA said several key markets worst hit by the recent knock to tourist confidence had seen significant improvements.
The group said it was on course to meet earlier forecasts and that more normal passenger figures would be seen by the autumn.
Figures from BAA show the group handled 11.8 million passengers at its seven UK airports in June - an increase of 3.4 per cent on last year.
In particular, US tourists appear to be returning to the UK as the decline in North Atlantic traffic reduced from 10 per cent in May to 2.9 per cent in June.
Long-haul traffic reversed a 3.5 per cent drop in May to record an rise of 2.6 per cent last month, and European scheduled traffic was up by 6.5 per cent.
Only Heathrow suffered a drop in business during the month, dipping 1.4 per cent to 5.6 million passengers.
Gatwick was ahead 4.5 per cent at 3.3 million, and the Britain's fastest-growing airport, Stansted, enjoyed a 21.9 per centrise after the introduction of a new US route.
BAA said the global economic slowdown caused a 6.1 per cent drop in cargo tonnage last month.
PA