LIVERPOOL John Lennon airport was operating at around 90% of its normal capacity yesterday.

There were around 55 departures, compared with its usual 65, with the same number of inbound flights.

Just under 10,000 passengers went through the terminal yesterday – with 5.661 departures and 4.327 arrivals.

One extra “repatriation flight” was laid on by Easyjet to bring passengers stranded by the volcanic ash cloud back to the UK from Malaga. Two more are due to be operated by Ryanair today, from Malaga and Tenerife.

John Lennon airport spokesman Robin Tudor said: “With the exception of some Irish and domestic flights, we were up to 90% of our normal operations.

“It has been quite an emotional day, with so many reunions and a lot of relief all round. Easyjet is encouraging people to check in earlier because more might be processing through.

“But none of us are counting our chickens just yet and it is still very much a watching brief.

“There are still people overseas waiting to come back and we suspect that will continue to be the case going into next week, as some destinations don’t go every day.

“There are still restrictions out there, it is just not affecting the majority of UK airports. It will continue to be business as usual for the foreseeable future.”