The HIAL project will extend the terminal building to accommodate a new passenger departure lounge, enhanced check-in facilities and an automated baggage reclaim system. The upgrade will include security screening of hold and cabin baggage and a new archway metal detector will reduce some of the need for personal screening of passengers.

The developments have been instigated as a result of new security regulations that apply to UK airports.

The principal contractor, MacInnes Bros of Benbecula expects work to last into the summer at the island airport which is the busiest in the company’s southern region that also includes Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree.

The project will create a new departure lounge of approximately 125 square metres and a larger check-in and concourse area of 100 square metres.

MAP Architects are providing architectural services with assistance from Doran Consulting for structural engineering. Semple & McKillop Consulting Engineers are providing mechanical and electrical engineering services. All three firms are based in Belfast.

The latest investment at Islay Airport follows a £2.1 million resurfacing of its two runways that was completed on schedule by contractor CCG Airports Limited in December 2002. The runway refurbishment involved laying more than 11,000 tonnes of finished bitumen produced by Europe’s largest mobile tar plant. The workforce, largely drawn from the local community, laid 1,000 tonnes of bitumen in one night - a huge achievement since their previous record was 850 tonnes in one shift. There was no interruption to airport operations during the work, which is scheduled to extend the life of the runway by 28 years.

Andrew Lindsay, station manager at Islay Airport said: "We are working with the contractor to ensure there is minimal disruption to passengers during the upgrade. Islay is the busiest airport in our southern region and catered for more than 20,000 passengers last year. This investment will ensure that the airport continues to provide a safe and efficient service to the local community, flight operators and visitors."

HIAL's Managing Director Bob Macleod said: "We have absorbed all the costs of additional security regulations introduced in the past 18 months and have not passed these on to flight operators and passengers. There should be no doubt that we make every effort possible to encourage airlines to use our facilities and offer the best possible deals to passengers.

"We are committed to investing in the infrastructure of our 10 airports to ensure they meet the demands of flight operators and passengers in the 21^st century. The ongoing capital investment at Islay will improve the services we offer to both passengers and carriers, meet new regulatory requirements and guarantee that the airport continues to play a significant role in the social and economic life of the local community."

ENDS