A 25-year master plan showing how growth can be accommodated at the largest airport in the Highlands was published today.

Inverness Airport is forecast to be handling up to 1.8 million passengers a year by 2030 and currently generates an estimated £130 million a year for the region’s economy.

Passenger numbers at Inverness have doubled since 1999 to 700,000 in 2006/07 and could reach one million by the end of the decade.

The master plan sets out how future growth can be accommodated on the airport site through infrastructure investment including an expansion to the existing terminal building and the development of additional apron capacity.

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited has already made multi-million pound investment in the past two years to increase aircraft parking capacity and car parking on the Dalcross site. The airport is also developing its own radar facility which will be completed in autumn next year.

HIAL’s long term aim is to ensure that scheduled and general aviation activity can continue to grow at the airport alongside possible increases in air freight activity.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: “The airport is a key wealth generator for the region. Access to more direct air services in recent years has been important to making our area a more attractive place in which to live, work and invest.

“Our aim is to continue to develop new routes to UK and international destinations in the years ahead and the master plan sets out how this will be accommodated at Inverness with investment in infrastructure.

“With appropriate phasing and investment there is no reason why we cannot both develop the airport for the benefit of the region and improve its performance as a business.

“With significant population growth and economic activity at Inverness Airport Business Park forecast for the coming years it is clear that the airport is going to be an increasingly important transport asset for the Highlands and Inner Moray Firth,” said Mr Lyon.

Copies of the master plan can be viewed or downloadad by clicking here.