A total of 90,036 passengers used the airports in the month, a 17% increase on November 2004’s total of 76,915. The eight month running total for the airports now stands at 808,605, 11% up on the same period in 2004/05.

The fastest growing airports in the region during 2005/06 thus far are Benbecula (10%), Inverness (14%), Sumburgh (14%) and Tiree (24%).

Aircraft movements in November totalled 7,183, a 4% increase on 2004’s figure, while the running total for the operating year stands at 65,549, 14% up on last year.

Passenger numbers will receive a further boost in early 2006 when Eastern Airways launches its Aberdeen-Stornoway service and increases aircraft capacity on its routes from Inverness to Birmingham and Manchester.

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director said: “These are a welcome set of results with 13,000 more passengers traveling during the month compared to 2004. However, we still have much work to do in terms of strengthening and enhancing the region’s scheduled air network.

“Many routes serving the Highlands and Islands still carry relatively low numbers of passengers and we will continue to work with the airlines and other stakeholders to ensure that they develop and are sustainable in the long term.”