23 January 06
Figures Show Busy December 2005 for North Airports
The total number of passengers using airports in the Highlands and Islands increased by 20% in December compared to the previous year, according to figures released by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

A total of 87,795 passengers used the company’s 10 airports in the month compared to 73,038 in December 2004.

The airports which showed the greatest gains in the month were: Inverness (+28%); Islay (+22.4%); Sumburgh (+24.3%) and Wick (+40.3%).

The nine month running total for HIAL’s airports now stands at 896,400, an 11.8% increase on the same period in 2004/05. All 10 airports handled more passengers compared to 2004/05 over the nine months. The fastest growing airports in the region based on performance to the end of the third quarter are: Benbecula (+9.9%); Inverness (+15.3%); Sumburgh (+15.1%) and Tiree (+20.8%).

Aircraft movements in December totalled 6,603, a 10.5% increase on 2004’s figure, while the running total for the operating year stands at 72,152, 13.3% up on last year.

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director said: “These are a good set of results but there can be no room for complacency in terms of ensuring the long term sustainability of the region’s air network. There is much work to be done to both develop existing services and in attracting new routes and operators.

“We therefore remain firmly focused on working with the airlines, Scottish Executive and our partners to make sure that the air network operating to and from our airports supports the long term economic prosperity and social cohesion of the region and its communities,” said Mr Lyon.