Exeter airport is situated 5 miles east of the city centre. It was originally opened on 31st May 1937, and the first commercial flight from the airport was on Coronation day of that same year. From that day forward a steady growth in air services developed to the Channel Islands, and today passengers have the choice of over 40 worldwide destinations. Passenger numbers from the airport are increasing at such a rate that a new terminal is needed to meet future demand. 2005-2006 saw over 800,000 passengers pass through the airport.