Vienna - Flughafen Wien Group, Vienna's international airport, reported on Thursday that its net profit before taxes increased by 19.2 per cent to 50.5 million euros (74.5 million dollars), as passenger traffic to North America and Eastern Europe grew.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to 69.9 million euros, up 14.8 per cent from 60.9 million euros in the first six months of 2007.

The airport collected revenues of 272.2 million euros, 13.7 per cent more than last year.

With a 12.8-per-cent increase in passenger numbers, the airport said it outpaced the average growth rate of 3.9 per cent of other European airports. A total of 9.7 million passengers used the airport in the first half of 2008.

Traffic to North America grew by 23.8 per cent and by 22.5 per cent to Eastern Europe.

Low-cost carriers increased their share in the airport's passenger volume from 16.8 per cent to 23.3 per cent, the company said.

The opening of an expanded terminal will be delayed to October 2009, the company announced, as costs have risen due to higher prices and changes demanded by authorities.

In its half-year report, Flughafen Wien said it was keeping its forecast of eight per cent rise in passenger numbers in 2008. (dpa)