Almost 82,500 passengers travelled via the 10 airports operated by HIAL in April 2005, representing a 1% drop on April 2004’s total.

The airports at Barra, Benbecula, Stornoway, Tiree and Wick all recorded passenger growth in the month.

The 10 airports handled 7,484 aircraft movements, nearly 18% more than in April last year.

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s Managing Director, said: “The first month of the 2005/06 operating year shows a small drop in total passengers of around 700 compared to April 2004. The growth we predict for this year will start in June when Eastern Airways increase frequency and capacity on their Wick and Inverness routes followed by the introduction of easyJet’s daily services to Belfast and Bristol in July.

“By the end of next March we expect to have recorded significant passenger growth for the group, especially at Inverness which is our largest and fastest growing airport. We are talking to a range of existing and potential airline customers with the aim of attracting new services for the region.

“The growth in air services in recent years has brought major benefits to the people living in the Highlands and Islands and the economy and we remain focused on building on these successes to ensure that air travel plays a central role in the region’s sustainable development agenda,” said Mr Lyon.

 Highlands and Islands Airports Limited – Total Passenger Movements April 2005

ENDS