A major upgrade to Wick Airport terminal is set to commence in the summer and will see a range of improvements introduced and enhance passenger comfort.

The project was highlighted by the Board of HIAL at a presentation to local stakeholders in Caithness last night (Thursday 15 April), prior to the airport operator’s Board meeting today.

HIAL’s Board meets at the company’s 10 airports on a regular basis to update stakeholders on developments and forge closer working relationships with the public and private sectors.

The terminal project, which has now gone out to tender, will include a new departure lounge, enlarged concourse area, new check-in desks, office accommodation and a hold baggage x-ray facility. A gateway project will also be developed to promote the local area and economy to people using the airport.

The upgrade to the terminal will bring it into line with National Airport Security Programme requirements.

During the presentation last night, Bob Macleod, HIAL’s Managing Director, also highlighted the ongoing work to improve air services to and from Wick.

The airport operator has invested more than £3 million at Wick in the past three years. Work included the main runway refurbishment (£1.7 million), a new fire training ground (£296,000) and environmental works (£755,000) to meet Scottish Environmental protection Agency requirements for the treatment of run-off water.

Sandy Matheson, Chairman of HIAL said: “The development of Wick Airport as an asset for the communities and economy of Caithness and Sutherland forms part of our corporate objectives.

“We have invested more than £3 million in capital projects at Wick in the last three years, representing a huge commitment to the airport and the community it serves. The result is a facility ably equipped to service current needs and with the capacity to cater for the types of scheduled service and general aviation traffic likely to use the facility in the future.

“The terminal upgrade is the next element in our long-term development plans for the airport and I am pleased to say that it will include a gateway project to promote the local area to air travellers. Gateways have already been developed at many of our airports and have proved successful in promoting the unique communities and areas we serve to both business and leisure travellers,” said Mr Matheson.

Bob Macleod added: “We are also committed to working with stakeholders including The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to progress development at the airport. The board has taken the opportunity to meet with local stakeholders and to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the airport.

“We are all aware that it is no easy task to attract new services to the smaller airports in the region but we remain committed to doing what we can to meet the expectations of the passengers and businesses in the area.”

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