Southampton Airport has topped the list of UK airports in terms of service, in the widely respected airport service quality (ASQ) survey. A global benchmarking programme measuring passengers' satisfaction while they are at an airport, the ASQ survey is highly regarded by the industry. The research is in place at airports that serve more than half of the world's 6.6 billion annual passengers.

Southampton scored highly in a range of categories for 2014, including overall satisfaction with the airport for both its leisure and business passengers, waiting time at security and the courtesy and helpfulness of airport staff. Passengers also scored favourably for the walking distance inside the terminal, Wi-Fi services, business lounges and the comfort of waiting areas.

Rob Veron Blue Islands' Managing Director said

With up to eight flights per day between Guernsey and Southampton, there are 170,000 seats on this service per year, therefore we're delighted all our passengers enjoy a great experience in Southampton, especially with the short plane to train time for those going to London, but also when departing with improved seating areas and complimentary WiFi.

Neil Garwood, Head of Customer Service at Southampton Airport, said

We've significantly invested in our passenger experience by increasing our seating areas by 30%, introducing free Wi-Fi and upgrading our Priority Lounge in 2014.

This comes as the airport also announced strong growth, with 17% growth from the Channel Islands with the airport stating huge increase in passenger numbers was driven by Blue Islands investing in larger aircraft and passengers using Southampton Airport as an easy way to get to London. In 2014 Blue Islands carried almost 85,000 passengers on its Guernsey - Southampton service and we have already seen over a 100% growth in the first three months of this year compared to last.