Airports in the north and west of Scotland are on track to record their seventh consecutive year of growth, according to passenger figures released today by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

Some contractual issues relating to the business transfer of Dundee Airport from Dundee City Council to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited remain outstanding. The planned transfer of the airport to HIAL on 1 September 2007 has therefore been postponed until these matters have been concluded to the satisfaction of all parties in line with the agreement framework between the council, HIAL and the Scottish Government. The target date for transfer is now 1 December 2007.

Major infrastructure investment is underway at Stornoway Airport with a replacement of airfield ground lighting (AGL) and an upgrading of its main taxiway.

Work to resurface the main runway at Tiree Airport in the Inner Hebrides has started. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited is investing more than £2 million in the project at the smallest of its 10 airports.

Thomson will offer Highland holidaymakers an expanded programme of flights from Inverness Airport in 2008.