Frankfurt Airport accommodated 5.13 million passengers in May 2013, a record for the month.

Bosses at Fraport AG - the firm that operates the aviation hub - said this was a 0.4 per cent upturn on the corresponding month in 2012 and this was especially pleasing when taking into account the fact that many airlines cut back on their services in May.

Aircraft movements dropped by 2.6 per cent because of the unusually high number of public holidays last month.

Although this was not enough to restrict passenger volumes, it did contribute to a slight downturn in air cargo activity, Fraport AG confirmed.

Frankfurt is that largest airport in Germany and is also one of the most important aviation hubs in Europe, with many airlines using the site to provide connecting flights to long-haul destinations.

Official figures showed the airport welcomed a record 57.5 million passengers in 2012 - up by 1.9 per cent on the previous year.