Air travel is continuing to develop as a vital transport mode in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with more people choosing to fly than ever before.

The total number of passengers flying via airports in the region during the first quarter of 2006/07 increased by 18%, according to figures published today.

The three-month running total for the 10 airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited stands at 317,683 passengers compared to 268,666 for the same period in 2005/06. Aircraft movements in the first quarter saw a 6.4% rise to a total of 26,213.

The fastest growing airports in the region from 1 April to 30 June this year were: Inverness (+25.6%); Islay (+23.1%); Kirkwall (+12.2%) and Sumburgh (+13.7%).

Contributory factors to the sixth consecutive year of passenger growth at HIAL’s airports include the introduction of new routes, enhancements to existing scheduled services – particularly on Loganair routes – and the introduction of the Scottish Executive’s Air Discount Scheme which has made air travel more affordable for residents in the region’s more remote communities.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: “People have access to more flights, more destinations and more affordable tickets than before and these improvements to the region’s air transport network are reflected in continuing growth across our 10 airports.

“At Islay, for example, Loganair’s introduction of additional rotations to Glasgow and the start of Sunday flights have had a really positive impact for the island. Local residents have better access to the mainland by air and more visitors are able to fly into Islay. While in Shetland there are now direct flights to both the Faroes and London with the new Atlantic Airways service.

“These developments are very important for communities that could otherwise be disadvantaged by their remoteness and bring considerable economic and social benefits with them. This is why we are focused on the future development of our airports as part of an integrated transport network for the region.”