Edinburgh Airport’s passenger figures for April rose by 8.7% to 1,009,529 with international traffic — up 18.4% — the strongest performer.

International flights now make up more than half of the capital city airport’s traffic.

International passengers totaled 586,293 compared to 495,371 in April last year, but domestic UK passengers fell 2.2% to 422,323.

Flights to European cities including Berlin, Madrid and Stuttgart and Doha and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East continue to prove popular.

“Edinburgh Airport’s international air services are the lifeblood of Scotland’s tourism industry and are offering better global connections for Scots businesses than ever before,” said Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport.

“Scotland is no longer dependent on London for its place in the world.

“The airport is an increasingly important social and economic asset, providing 23,000 jobs and economic output of around £1 billion.

“We look forward to working with others, in the city and in the Scottish Government and elsewhere, to build a sustainable, long-term plan for the future of this airport, potentially doubling the number of jobs here in the next few years.

“We will continue to advocate a halving of air passenger duty. It is a punitive tax on travel that restricts Scotland’s progress and punishes those who can least afford it.”