Helicopters Boost Wick John O’Groats Airport To Strong Air Traffic Growth
24th March 2013
Passenger numbers at Scotland’s regional airports increased by 2.2% last month.
Latest figures from airport operator HIAL show that its 11 airports handled 87,476 passengers in February, an increase of 1,869 passengers compared to the same month last year.
Growth was strongest at Sumburgh and Wick John O’Groats, both of which have benefited from increased energy sector and refuelling activity. Passenger numbers grew by 4,361 and 1,296 respectively. A big boost was given to Wick John O'Groats recently with the arrival of Chevron UK using the airport for helicopters.
Kirkwall also enjoyed strong growth, with numbers up by 977, as a result of increased demand on inter-island and mainland services.
Demand was also up at Barra, Benbecula, Islay and Tiree. However, passenger numbers fell at Dundee, Campbeltown, Inverness and Stornoway, the result of schedule changes and fewer aircraft movements.
In the year to date (April 2012-February 2013), passenger numbers across the group increased by 2.9%.
Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL said: “After a strong start in January, growth was more modest in February. Nevertheless the underlying picture is positive with numbers up by almost 3% over the past year, and double digit growth at a number of our airports, including Sumburgh and Wick John O’Groats.
“As we approach the start of the summer season, we expect that growth will continue and that Inverness, in particular, will recover from what has been a relatively slow winter as airlines increase capacity during the busier summer months.”
February passenger totals
BARRA 537 (+11.2%)
BENBECULA 2,692 (+6.7%)
CAMPBELTOWN 553 (-20.7%)
DUNDEE 2,003 (-55.6%)
INVERNESS 37,882 (-4.4%)
ISLAY 1,596 (+0.9%)
KIRKWALL 11,793 (+9%)
STORNOWAY 8,908 (-6.9%)
SUMBURGH 17,457 (+33.3%)
TIREE 652 (+8.8%)
WICK JOHN O’GROATS 3,403 (+61.5%)
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The Highland Council and Eastern Airways have agreed a number of changes to scheduled flight times on the Wick-Aberdeen air route. The changes have been carefully considered to reduce cancellations and restore public trust.
The summer holiday season is in full swing, with people flocking to their holiday destinations in record numbers. Heathrow Airport has experienced a staggering 14.7% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers and a 17.5% increase in aircraft movements.
The Highland Council is delighted to confirm a highly successful second year for Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights between Wick and Aberdeen. The period from April 2023 to March 2024 has seen a substantial increase in passenger numbers, with several months seeing over 1,000 passengers using the service, and overall the service has seen year on year growth of 25%.
The Highland Council and Transport Scotland, who have been working with local stakeholders to reinstate flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport, are delighted to announce that Eastern Airways have been awarded a contract to provide a year-round service to Aberdeen. The service, which will operate under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), will provide a direct connection to the airport hub at Aberdeen for 3 years.
The centralisation of air traffic services in the Highlands was the fore again yesterday at the petitions committee of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 24th February 2021. The importance of the issue for outlying areas in terms of connectivity and employment were highlighted.
PSO To Protect Wick Flights Could Take Up To A Year To Put In Place. Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, David Stewart, is urging the Scottish Government to look seriously at interim measures to save Wick air routes after being told state aid for services could take up to a year to put in place.
Wick John O'Groats Airport has been hit hard with the news that Loganair is to axe the flights between Wick and Edimburgh Bookings had already dropped in the last year and the Cornavirus has made things worse. The service will cease at the end of March.
Flybe's franchise partner Eastern Airways has flights to Wick from Aberdeen and would have been in danger if the company had gone bust. Flybe has agreed £110m rescue deal.
The Air Discount Scheme (ADS) which provides cheaper air travel for islands and north Highland residents has been extended. The scheme month has been renewed until 31 December 2020.
Prospect air traffic controllers in the Highlands and Islands to strike on 26th April 2019 over pay. Prospect air traffic controllers working for Highlands and Islands Airport Limited will be taking strike action on the 26th of April in relation to their 2018-19 pay offer.
