Hovertravel added 156 extra flights to its timetable during July after recording an increase in demand from passengers travelling between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
The additional journeys represented a 16 per cent increase in the operator’s scheduled services during one of its busiest months of the year.
Passenger numbers were 10 per cent higher than during the same month last year, according to figures released by the company.
The expanded timetable was introduced to provide additional capacity for commuters and business travellers, as well as people taking day trips, holidays or visiting family and friends.
July’s timetable also included special services connecting Lee-on-the-Solent with Ryde. Hovertravel said strong demand led it to add further dates on two occasions, with the additional flights also selling out.
Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said: "Our priority is always to make sure we have the right level of service for our customers, particularly during our busiest times of the year. As more people chose to travel with us in July, we were able to add 156 extra flights to provide additional capacity and greater flexibility. Whether customers were commuting, heading off on holiday, visiting family or enjoying a day out, the extra services helped make travelling across the Solent easier and gave people more choice when planning their journeys”.
"We have also seen fantastic demand for our special flights between Lee-on-the-Solent and Ryde. Interest has been so strong that we've added extra dates twice, with those additional sailings also selling out. It demonstrates the value customers place on having more travel options and convenient connections.
"We'll continue to review travel patterns and, where possible, adjust our timetable to make sure we're providing the service our customers need."
Hovertravel operates what is recognised as the world’s longest-running commercial hovercraft service. Its regular crossing between Southsea and Ryde takes less than 10 minutes, making it the fastest passenger connection between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
The company said the additional July services reflected its continuing commitment to responding to passenger demand and maintaining a frequent and convenient connection across the Solent.
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