Some 23% more passengers will have used the airport in the week compared to the 9,745 passengers during the same period in 2004 as a result of new routes and growth on existing services.

The airport is closed on Christmas Day but scheduled flights will be operating on New Year’s Day.

James Walton, Inverness Airport manager said: “The Christmas week is busier than ever this year and it is encouraging to see that more people are travelling into the region for the festive season.

“We and our airline partners remain firmly focused on ensuring that the air services at Inverness continue to grow, demonstrate robust performance and are sustainable in the long term. This will ultimately benefit the communities and economy of the region.”