Almost 88,000 passengers travelled via the 10 airports operated by HIAL in May 2004, representing an increase of almost 7% on the May 2003 passenger total.

Overall passenger traffic for the airports stands at 170,963 for the first two months of the 04/05 operating year. This is a 9% increase on the 156,849 passengers who used the airports in the comparable two-month period during 03/04.

Inverness continued to be the North of Scotland’s fastest developing airport in May with 49,965 passengers. Year on year growth at the airport is currently 18.7%.

Passenger growth for the month was also recorded at Barra (0.5%), Stornoway (2.6%), Tiree (7.2%) and Wick (0.8%).

Total aircraft movements at the 10 airports in May amounted to 7,138, a 0.4% decrease on May 2003.

Bob Macleod, Managing Director of HIAL, said the latest figures represented a steady growth in demand for air services in the region.

“Our group of 10 airports continue to demonstrate year on year net passenger growth with Inverness, our largest and busiest airport, developing well above the national average rate,” said Mr Macleod.

“Airports and air services have a major economic and social impact in the Highlands and Islands, enabling business to be done and tourists to access this unique region. Commercial aviation brings tens of millions of pounds into the region annually and we continue to invest with the support of the Scottish Executive to ensure that the communities we serve derive the greatest benefits from our airports.”

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited – Total Passenger Movements May 2004