Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Passenger growth continued at HIAL In September

20th October 2013

Passenger numbers grew by more than 11,000 at Scotland’s regional airports last month.

Latest figures show that HIAL’s 11 airports handled 126,672 passengers in September, an increase of 11,229 (+9.7%) on the same month last year.

There was particularly strong growth at Wick John O’Groats and Sumburgh, the result of increased energy traffic and growing demand for scheduled passenger services. Loganair have recently increased capacity between Wick John O’Groats and Edinburgh, and are set to provide more flights between Sumburgh and Glasgow from November.

At Islay, numbers were boosted by an influx of visitors to the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival. Kirkwall, Inverness and Islay also enjoyed an increase in passenger numbers, with Inverness recording growth on its Amsterdam, Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester routes.

However, numbers were down at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Stornoway and Tiree airports.

Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL said: “These figures are hugely encouraging, not least the boost in summer passenger numbers and the massive increase in demand for the Inverness to Amsterdam route, now in its third year, and still exceeding expectations. However, the drop in passenger numbers at many of our smaller airports illustrates that demand is not uniformly strong.

“We have added almost 50,000 extra passengers so far in this financial year which, given the distinct challenges some of our airports face, is particularly encouraging. Business and tourism growth is essential for the regional economy of Scotland, particularly in our more remote locations. In recent months, we have secured additional passenger services at Campbeltown, Inverness, Wick John O’Groats and Sumburgh and we are continuing to look at new opportunities for growth throughout the HIAL group.”

September passenger totals
• BARRA 872(-16%)
• BENBECULA 2620 (-17.6%)
• CAMPBELTOWN 933 (-4.5%)
• DUNDEE 2461 (-53.6%)
• INVERNESS 59388 (+3.1%)
• ISLAY 2718 (+7.1%)
• KIRKWALL 15975 (+10.6%)
• STORNOWAY 10921 (-5%)
• SUMBURGH 25447 (+58.5%)
• TIREE 703 (-0.4%)
• WICK JOHN O’GROATS 4634 (+119.1%)

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

27/3/2024
Wick Public Service Obligation Celebrates Successful Second Year Subsidising Wick Aberdeen FlightsThumbnail for article : Wick Public Service Obligation Celebrates Successful Second Year Subsidising Wick Aberdeen Flights
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%.  
26/2/2022
Scheduled Flights Are To Restart Between Wick John O' Groats Airport And AberdeenThumbnail for article : Scheduled Flights Are To Restart Between Wick John O' Groats Airport And Aberdeen
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.  
MSP, Rhoda Grant has slammed Michael Matheson MSP's performance in defence of HIAL's Air Traffic CentralisationThumbnail for article : MSP, Rhoda Grant has slammed Michael Matheson MSP's performance in defence of HIAL's Air Traffic Centralisation
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.  
Can Wick Airport Have Flights Again?Thumbnail for article : Can Wick Airport Have Flights Again?
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.  
Loganair To Stop Flying Wick To Edinburgh
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 Deal Keeps Flights Going To Wick For Now
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.  
Air Discount Scheme Renewed And Extended To SutherlandThumbnail for article : Air Discount Scheme Renewed And Extended To Sutherland
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.  
Wick John O'Groats Airport Will Be Involved In Strike ActionThumbnail for article : Wick John O'Groats Airport Will Be Involved In Strike Action
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.  
Prospect Ballots Air Traffic Controllers In Highlands And Islands Airports On PayThumbnail for article : Prospect Ballots Air Traffic Controllers In Highlands And Islands Airports On Pay
Prospect has confirmed arrangements for balloting air traffic controllers at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited on industrial action.   The ballot will open on 11 February and close on 1 March.  
Record year for regional airport operatorThumbnail for article : Record year for regional airport operator
Regional airport operator HIAL has handled more passengers than ever, according to latest figures for the last financial year.  The airport group, which operates 11 airports across Scotland, handled 1,437,625 passengers in 2015/16, up by more than 6000 on the previous year.