HIAL Corporate Section

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a company wholly owned by Scottish Ministers and sponsored by the Scottish Government.

HIAL provides a safe and efficient group of 10 airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick . In December 2007 HIAL assumed responsibility for the operation of Dundee Airport and now operates it via a wholly owned subsidiary company, Dundee Airport Limited.

The Scottish Ministers are the sole shareholder in HIAL and HIAL's sponsor department within the Scottish Government is responsible for recommending Board appointments, representing the Scottish Ministers at Board meetings, agreeing budgets and subsidy and for liaison between the Scottish Government and HIAL on a day to day basis.

HIAL is responsible for airport infrastructure and operations, facilitating lifeline air links and developing scheduled air services in conjunction with airlines. These activities play a vital role in supporting economic and social development in the region

HIAL was incorporated in Edinburgh on 4 March 1986 as a private limited company under the Companies Act 1985. On 1 April 1995, ownership of HIAL passed from the Civil Aviation Authority to the Secretary of State for Scotland, now the Scottish Ministers.

HIAL receives subsidies from the Scottish Ministers in accordance with Section 34 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982.