The latest passenger figures from HIAL show that more than 94,000 people flew via the company’s 10 airports in October.

This represents an 11% increase on October 2004 and brings the running total for the 10 airports in the current operating year to 652,060, an 11% increase on the same seven months in 2003/04.

Inverness continues to be the fastest developing airport in the region with passenger growth of 21.5% in the current year. The airports at Barra, Campbeltown, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Tiree and Wick have also increased their passenger numbers in the past seven months compared to 2003/04.

The 10 airports handled a total of 7,242 aircraft movements in the month, an increase of 6.6% compared to October 2003.

Bob Macleod, HIAL’s Managing Director, said: “We are sustaining a growth rate of 11% for the 10 airports this year which should take our passenger total for the 12 months to over one million.

“The 10,000 additional passengers at Inverness during October were a combination of growth on scheduled flights, holiday charters and the school break.

“Air services play a vital role in the economic and social life of the region and this is clearly reflected in our latest figures. They are also testament to the successful relationships we have with our airline customers and their own work to stimulate the air travel market in the region,” said Mr Macleod.

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited – Total Passenger Movements October 2004

ENDS