Passenger numbers at BAA's seven UK airports declined by 11% in March as the economic crisis combined with a weak pound dissuaded thousands from travelling abroad, according to figures released by BAA.

Gatwick was the worst affected airport, with passenger numbers falling 17% compared to figures in March 2008. Stansted and Glasgow airports suffered passenger drops of 15% and 13% respectively.

Business travel declined 13% from March last year and just over 10,500 passengers travelled through BAA's UK airports in March - a drop of more than 1,200 passengers from last year.